Don’t worry, most dogs are not effected by poison ivy. She will be fine. There is the odd case of a dog suffering from mild poison ivy spots but nothing like what us humans suffer when we are exposed to the nasty vine.

What can happen, however, is that she will transfer the oil from the poison ivy (the oil is the toxic part) to you and your family. I would clean out her kennel wearing some clothes and gloves you can throw out and rubber boots you can wash easily. Keep in mind anytime you touch skin with the gloves, you are transferring the oil and that spot will become develop the rash and that even dead plants remain toxic. Never, never, ever burn poison ivy – the fumes are far more toxic then the oil in the plant will ever be!

One way of ridding yourself of poison ivy is to dig up the root balls. This is the most organic method so no chemicals are used. Round-up is a good choice of herbicide as it has a short half-life so as long as your pet stays out of her kennel for a few days, she should be fine.

Once you have her kennel cleaned up, give her a bath with a strong soap like Sunlight dish soap to cut the oil. Anything she has touched must be washed down as well – furniture, doors, car seats, bedding, etc. And keep wearing your gloves throughout the whole process. I know, it is a freakin’ nuisance but you do not want the rash, take my word for it. My poor boyfriend has had poison oak twice in the last ten months and it is miserable!

Good luck!

Ann