Can dogs get poison ivy too? If you've ever wondered if your itching dog could have come into contact with this itch-causing plant, keep reading. Here's the lowdown on dogs and poison ivy, including the risk that exposure poses to both you and your dog.

What Is Poison Ivy?

Poison ivy is a plant identifiable by three ivy-like leaves that contain urushiol, an oil that typically causes people to break out in an itchy rash. Other plants that contain this oil are poison oak, which resembles the leaves of an oak tree, and poison sumac. These are typically found in the wild but sometimes encroach into parks and yards. Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website for more information on how to identify each of these plants.

Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy?

Dogs can get rashes from poison ivy, but it doesn't happen very often, says the Pet Poison Helpline. The skin of most dogs is protected from the rash-inducing oil, by their fur. However, dogs with thin or very short coats are more susceptible to developing rashes, but not necessarilly more reactive to urushiol. The biggest danger for most dogs, though, lies in ingesting the poison ivy plant. While this doesn't generally produce more than an upset stomach, a severe allergic reaction could cause your dog to go into anaphylactic shock, which can cause the airways to constrict, preventing him from being able to breathe. While this is not as common of an occurrence as it is with humans and allergies, it is still worth keeping an eye on your dog just in case. If you know or suspect that your dog has ingested poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, keep a close eye on him and contact your veterinarian immediately.