Write a commentDear Porky & Buddy: Do dogs and cats get a poison ivy rash? My property in the country has poison ivy everywhere and I have the rash most of the summer, no matter how careful I am. I have noticed that my little pug, Suki, seems to be very itchy and miserable. Could it be poison ivy? Signed, Dan
Dear Dan,
No, dogs and cats do not appear to be sensitive to the effects of urushiol, the allergenic oil found in poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac as many humans, such as yourself, are.
That's the good news. The bad news is that pets can transmit the urushiol on their hair coats to their human family and other surfaces (furniture, articles of clothing, bedding and so on).
This oil is extremely long-lived in the environment, so you will need to be careful with pets that roam outside. Wear gloves and bathe Suki regularly to reduce contamination with this allergenic oil if she is in the poison ivy infested areas.
That doesn’t leave you off the hook for dealing with Suki’s itchiness. There are many reasons that pets may be itchy, scratching and chewing—everything from fleas and other parasites, to anal sac problems, to hot spots, to other allergies. The scratching and chewing may cause secondary infections and problems which then perpetuates the chewing and licking cycle.
Talk to your veterinarian about Suki’s inching. You don’t want her to be miserable all summer!
The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County. Located at 110 West Second Street, Oswego, New York. Phone (315) 207-1070. Email: ochscontact@hotmail.com Website: www.oswegohumane.org Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other.
