What Pet Owners Should Know About Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac on Pets

Poisonous plants like poison ivy, oak, and sumac can be a nightmare for anyone exposed to them. The oil of these plants spreads an itchy rash across any skin it comes in contact with it. What happens if your pet runs through a patch of poison ivy? Dogs and cats do not react to poison ivy, but they can spread it to you. You will need to know how to bathe your dog or cat after it has been exposed to poison ivy to prevent being exposed yourself.

The Spread of Poison

Dogs and cats do not suffer the allergenic effects of poison ivy, sumac, or oak such as humans do, but they can transmit the oil of these plants to humans on their hair. This means that your pet can bring you poison ivy oil (and related toxic oil) even though you haven't been in contact with the plants yourself.

The Plant Oil

The oil responsible for the rashes and blisters that sensitive humans suffer from is called urushiol. This oil is very hardy and long-lived and may persist in the environment (and on clothing, sleeping bags, etc.) for years. This means the oil will likely remain on your pets' fur until you wash them.

Getting Rid of Urushiol Oils on Your Pets

If you suspect your dog or cat has gotten into some poisonous plants a bath is in order. Here are some tips to make the pet bathing as effective as possible for removing this stubborn plant oil without exposing yourself to it:

• Wear rubber gloves.
• Use a barrier cream, such as a lotion containing bentoquatum, on your arms and any exposed skin not protected by gloves.
• Use copious amounts of cool water, for a long period of time.
• Use a degreasing soap, such as Dawn dishwashing detergent, to remove the oils from your pet's coat.

Getting Rid of Urushiol Oils on Tools and Surfaces

After you bathe your pet it's important to remember that the plant oil can remain on any grooming tools you used. Once you're done giving Fido his bath you'll want to give anything that may have come in contact with the oil a good washing as well. This also goes for any clothes you might be wearing at the time.

• Wear rubber gloves.
• Use copious amounts of water
• Use rubbing alcohol (isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol) and lots of soap.
• Discard cloth and clothing items if possible, otherwise, wash in hot water with lots of detergent.

Getting Rid of Urushiol Oils in the Environment

Your pet will continue to pick up oil from poison oak and related plants if they are growing in areas your pet plays. You will need to get rid of these plants to prevent continuous exposure.