The rash inducing toxin in Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac is called Urushiol Oil. It has been said that this oil is so resilient it can remain on items that are not washed for years! That can mean clothes, tools, backpacks, sleeping bags and, of course, your dog! A nice bath is in order to get rid of the oils on the dog’s coat!

Getting Rid of Urushiol Oils on Your Pets
Here are some tips to make the pet bathing as effective as possible for removing this stubborn plant oil.

• Wear rubber gloves.
• Use a barrier cream, such as a lotion containing bentoquatum, on your arms and skin not protected by gloves. Ref: CDC prevention tips
• Use copious amounts of cool water, for a long period of time.
• Use a “degreasing” soap, such as Dawn dishwashing detergent, to remove the oils from your pet's coat.

Getting Rid of Urushiol Oils on Tools and Surfaces

• Wear rubber gloves.
• Use copious amounts of water
• Use rubbing alcohol (isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol) and lots of soap.
• Discard cloth and clothing items if possible, otherwise wash in hot water with lots of detergent.

If you are concerned with getting rid of the Urushiol Oils on tools or surface areas or if you have any further questions about this subject you can go over to About Home. They can also advise you about burning the plants and where you can go to for ideas on how to remove Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac during landscaping.