How To Treat Poison Ivy On A Dog
Introduction
I’ve been treating pets for years, but I honestly never thought I’d have to learn how to treat poison ivy on a dog. Surprisingly, it’s something that comes up a lot, so I want to share with you all the ways you can help your pet in this situation.
Wash your dog with cool water
Cool water is the best way to wash your dog, as hot water can actually make the itching worse. Use a mild soap and very gently lather up the affected area. You should not use alcohol or bleach on such an irritated skin condition, but if you are unsure about what kind of product might be helpful, consult with your vet for guidance. Do not use a washcloth or scrubbing motions on this irritated skin—this can make your dog even more uncomfortable and inflamed.
If you have access to ice cubes and clean towels, you can try icing the area for immediate relief (if this does not work immediately for your dog’s comfort level or if they have a lot of open sores from scratching).
Get your dog to a veterinarian
If you are not sure what to do when you come across a dog with poison ivy, it’s best to get your pet checked out by a veterinarian. A vet can tell you what the best course of treatment is and recommend the right products for treating your dog.
Apply hydrocortisone cream
Apply hydrocortisone cream.
A steroid, hydrocortisone cream can be used to treat poison ivy on a dog. However, it’s important that you follow the dosage instructions carefully, as too much hydrocortisone can be harmful. The recommended dose is 0.5% of the body weight for dogs weighing less than 10 pounds and 1% for dogs weighing more than 10 pounds once daily for up to two weeks (which will likely be how long it takes for your pet’s skin to heal). If your dog is allergic or sensitive to steroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone, do not apply this medication unless directed by a veterinarian.
Apply the cream sparingly over affected areas of skin and rub gently until fully absorbed into the skin; if there are any unabsorbed patches left behind after this process, wash them off with mild soap and water thoroughly afterwards so that no irritation occurs due to prolonged exposure time
Monitor the area for infection
In the days following the treatment, monitor your dog for signs of infection. If you see any redness or swelling around an area where you applied hydrocortisone cream or lotion, call your vet immediately.
If there are no signs of infection after two days, but your dog is still scratching at the affected area, it’s probably a good idea to contact your vet again.
Treating poison ivy on a dog can be simple if you have the right information.
- Treatment for Poison Ivy on a Dog
- How to Treat Poison Ivy on a Dog
- What to Do if Your Dog Has Poison Ivy
- Preventing Poison Ivy on a Dog
Conclusion
If you see your dog has come into contact with poison ivy, the first thing to do is wash their coat with cool water and a gentle shampoo. If the rash has expanded or started to ooze, it’s important to take them immediately to the veterinarian. While they are there, ask if they can apply hydrocortisone cream so that you won’t have to do it at home when it comes time for treatment. After that initial visit, regularly monitor the area so that an infection doesn’t form, which will make everything more difficult in the long run!