Poison oak

[Lynda Kamrath]

My doodle frequently gets poison oak. I know we walk in areas that have poison oak, but I try to stay on the paths. Only Hondo gets poison oak and usually on his belly, although he has had it on his ears (inside). He lifts his leg to pee on bushes and I think that is how he gets it. Groucho Too has a poodle coat with more hair and he does not lift his leg. Anybody else have problems with their doodles getting poison oak or ivy?

[Adina P]

Anyone have some knowledge in this area? (bumping this up for you!)

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Hi Lynda...I haven't had any experience with poison oak, but I did find some info for you.....Hope that it helps...

Poison Ivy and Poison Oak

Poison oak and poison ivy belong to a group of plants called toxicodendron. These are also known as Rhus species. The toxic principle in poison oak and poison ivy is urushiol. This toxin is an oil resin found in the plant sap. Animals are quite resistant to the effects of urushiol but can transmit the toxin to a person.

Dogs and cats typically come in contact with the poison ivy or poison oak plant in wooded areas. They may ingest some of the plant but, more likely, they will rub against it will walking. The sap from the plant can adhere to the hair. When you pet your dog or cat later, the sap can transfer from their fur to your skin. If you are susceptible to poison oak or poison ivy, skin irritation can occur.

In animals, exposure to urushiol infrequently results in skin irritation.

What to Watch For



Red inflamed skin

Itchiness

Raised bumps or swellings on the skin

Veterinary Care

Veterinary care is recommended if the animal develops a severe reaction to the plant, especially if ingested. Prompt veterinary care should be given in case of excessive vomiting, diarrhea or weakness.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on known exposure or ingestion of the plant.

Treatment

Treatment of urushiol toxicity is based on the severity of the signs. For those animals with skin irritation, prolonged bathing and rinsing, lasting at least 10 minutes, is recommended.

For those animals affected after ingesting the plant, hospitalization with intravenous fluids may be necessary. Activated charcoal may be administered if it is suspected that more plant material is present in the stomach.

Home Care

For those pets exposed to topical urushiol, prolonged bathing and rinsing, at least 10 minutes, is recommended. Be careful to wear gloves when bathing the pet so you do not come in contact with the urushiol.

For those animals ingesting the plant, monitor them for vomiting, lack of appetite or diarrhea.

Preventative Care

Preventing exposure to poison ivy or poison oak is the key to preventing urushiol toxicity. Do not allow your pet to freely roam. When on vacation, take care to avoid poison oak or poison ivy plants. If your pet has recently come in contact with poison oak or poison ivy, immediate prolonged bathing can help diminish the risk of toxicity. Fortunately, most dogs and cats seem to be resistant to the effects of poison ivy and poison oak.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

And here's a discussion from the Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Information Center..

http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view/comments.html?func=showMessage&...