Dear Itchy: Poison Ivy, more formally known as Rhus toxicodendron, is not the seasonal malady people think it is. Your dog can come in contact with the irritating oils at anytime during the year, including the dead of winter.

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website, “Dogs and other animals are not affected by poison ivy, but people can get the rash by petting a dog that’s been exposed.” Apparently, the oil is the irritant and people who are sensitive or allergic get a rash when exposed. The sap found in the leaves, stems, branches, vines, roots, berries and flowers is the culprit oil.  Dogs and other animals on the other hand, do not have the same sensitivity as humans. Horses and goats love to eat it. However, canine ingestion of the plant may cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

Since poison ivy is not always recognizable as the shiny three-leafed red plant seen in springtime, one must know what to look for. In the summer it also bears fruit and has little white flowers that turn into green berries and then into white berries when the fruit ripens in late autumn. And it can be a low-lying ground shrub, a ten-foot tree or a 40-foot vine. It is not always shiny and can grow in sun or shade or in dry or damp places.

Basically, it’s everywhere.

Seasonal Exposure

The easiest way to prevent your dog from coming in contact with the plant is to have him on a leash during walks and avoid places where the plant thrives. Here are some seasonal poison ivy hot spots:

Spring – Walks in the woods, especially unsupervised, are adequate for exposure to the oil. When your dog is out of sight you have no way of knowing if your dog has touched the plant.

Summer – The biggest danger is burning poison ivy. Keep your dog indoors if a neighbor is burning a large wood pile which might contain vines and bushes that release the oil into the air and can land anywhere.

Autumn – Ivy leaves can get mixed in with the other colorful leaves and then your dog goes running through the pile after you have raked them up.

Winter – When chopping wood beware of vines wrapped around logs. Don’t give your dog these wood chunks to chew on during your winter chores.

Removing the oil

The only way to completely remove any oil is to wash your dog and wear rubber gloves during the shampoo. You can try to remove the oil on you, after touching your exposed dog, by washing your hands immediately at home with soap or using a product called “Technu” liquid.

Removing the oil from your dog or yourself is best done within 15 minutes after exposure. The longer you wait, the more likely you will get a rash if you are sensitive to the oil. Try to remember just where your dog has been before you get that big kiss on the face.

Lisa’s Pick of the Litter

Visit www.hogsfordogs.org and read about Max and Bailey. According to the website: “From May to November 2004, Max & Bailey – two Golden Retrievers – will journey over 25,000 miles through all lower 48 states of America in their Harley-Davidson sidecars, bringing attention to the special needs of people with disabilities and highlighting the many ways that a Guide or Assistance Dog can help them lead more independent lives.”

They will be accompanied by their owners Blaine and Janet Parks on this fund-raising journey.

Lisa Peterson, a breeder and exhibitor of Norwegian Elkhounds, is a Delegate to the American Kennel Club. Ask Lisa questions at ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.