If you have ever had the unfortunate opportunity to rendezvous with a poisonous plant such as poison ivy, you know how disastrous it can be. That painful rash that just keeps on spreading makes most people flat-out miserable.
Although fur provides some protection, your canine companion is not immune and can also react and develop a skin rash when they come in contact with these dangerous plants.
The good news is, if your dog develops a poison ivy rash, it is relatively simple to remedy, meaning your furry friend won’t have to suffer for long.
Why does poison ivy cause a rash?
Poison ivy and other poisonous plants, such as poison oak and poison sumac, secrete a substance known as urushiol. This oily sap-like substance seeps from plant leaves, stems, and roots and is easily absorbed into the skin. Therefore, coming into contact with any part of these plants in the Toxicodendron group presents the risk of a negative reaction.
How do I know if my dog has come in contact with a poisonous plant?
Here are some signs and symptoms that your pup may be experiencing a reaction to a poisonous plant.
Skin irritation. Redness, swelling, and rash on the skin, especially on areas with less fur, such as the belly, groin, and inner legs.
Itching and scratching. Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the affected areas due to itchiness.
Blisters. Small, fluid-filled blisters or raised bumps on the skin.
Hair loss. Patches of hair loss due to scratching and irritation.
Swelling. Localized swelling in the areas that have come into contact with the plant.
Inflammation. Inflamed and warm skin.
Discomfort or pain. Signs of discomfort or pain, such as whimpering or reluctance to be touched in affected areas.
Secondary infections. In severe cases, constant scratching and biting can lead to secondary bacterial infections. If this occurs, it is best to seek veterinary care.
If your dog ingests poison ivy, they may also exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
Natural ways to remedy a poisonous plant reaction
Natural remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of poison ivy and other toxic plants. Just be sure to wear gloves during treatment, as coming in contact with the poison oil may result in you needing treatment.
Oatmeal bath. An oatmeal bath soothes skin and reduces itching and inflammation. Mix finely ground oatmeal with lukewarm water to create a paste. Once your pup is wet, spread the paste on the impacted skin and rinse it off.
Aloe vera. This plant provides cooling and reduces itching and inflammation. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the impacted area for relief.
Baking soda paste. Baking soda helps dry out blisters caused by poison ivy rash and soothes skin. Mix the baking soda with a small amount of warm water to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to the impacted areas of the skin.
Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a natural antiseptic with antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help prevent a secondary infection. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and apply in affected areas using a clean cotton ball.
Chamomile tea. This flowering plant tea contains soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Brew a cup of tea using fresh chamomile flowers and hot water. Let the tea cool, dip some gauze squares into it, and apply it to compress the rash.
Epsom salt bath. Dissolve a cup of Epsom salts in a warm bath and soak your pup for 10-15 minutes to reduce inflammation and ease itching.
Coconut oil. Coconut oil is soothing and contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that moisturize irritated skin. Warm coconut oil in your hands and rub on the rash to soothe the skin.
Calendula cream. Calendula cream has been used historically to soothe irritated skin and provides soothing relief for skin impacted by poison plant sap. Apply it directly to affected areas using a clean cotton ball.
Witch hazel. Witch hazel, derived from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant (Hamamelis virginiana), has long been used for its beneficial effects on the skin. It contains tannins, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can ease pain. Apply to impacted areas with a soft cotton ball.
Additional considerations for keeping your pup comfortable
Before trying any home remedy, a patch test on a small area of your dog’s skin is essential to ensure no adverse reaction. To keep your furry friend from irritating inflamed skin, use a cone if licking, itching, or biting becomes problematic. Keep your dog well hydrated and regularly clean the skin with warm water.
Know what plants to avoid.
If you are hiking or in a new location with your furry friend and wish to avoid a toxic encounter, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with plants you should steer clear of. Additionally, if you are unfamiliar with an area, it is best to keep your pup on a leash until you find the danger of toxic plants.
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy has a vining habit, sets of three leaves that turn bright red and orange in the fall, and small cream-colored berries. It climbs trees, fences, walls, or other vertical structures in open meadows or along the edge of a forest. This plant climbs using aerial rootlets that give the vine a hairy appearance. Remember, hairy is scary!
Poison Oak
This plant prefers dry and sunny locations but can be found along riverbanks and in open grasslands. Its leaves appear in groups of three and resemble oak tree leaves. It grows as a small shrub or vine, producing greenish-white flowers that bloom in the spring and small yellowish berries that grow in clusters. Leaves turn yellow, orange, and red in the fall.
Poison Sumac
Poisonous sumac plants are less common than poison ivy or oak and thrive in boggy areas such as marshes and wetlands. They have bright green compounded leaves and grow like a small shrub or tree, reaching a height of twenty feet. Gray-white berries hang in clusters, and leaves turn red and orange in the fall.
