Leaves of 3, Leave Them Be
What Do You Know About Poison Ivy?
The days are getting longer, the temperature is rising, and the great outdoors are calling your name. It’s time to start planning your summer adventures! Just remember to watch out for the enemy of all outdoor enthusiasts: poison ivy. Found in every state except Hawaii and Alaska, poison ivy — or more accurately, the rash-causing urushiol oil on its leaves — can quickly ruin a trip. Before you head out on your next outdoor adventure, make sure you get your facts straight.
the world happy and healthy. A fewmonths later, I sent Dr. Petersen an email to see if he’d filled the position. To my delight, the job was still available. This time, I was able to start right away. It was just meant to be.”
The poison ivy rash is not contagious.
Most of Krystal’s job keeps her behind
the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly, but she loves to
Many people believe the poison ivy rash can spread if the blisters pop, but the only thing that can cause the rash is urushiol oil. This is why it’s so important to clean your skin and wash your clothes as soon as possible. Urushiol oil can spread onto objects like doors or chairs, and you don’t have to touch poison ivy to have a reaction to urushiol oil.
visit with the puppies and kittens when she can. And when a new client comes in with aWheaten terrier, Krystal makes a point to introduce herself.
You cannot become immune to poison ivy.
“I have a soft spot for Wheaten terriers,”she says.“I have one at home, Paisley, and they’re a tremendous breed. I also have a Yorkiepoo named Jackson. Between those two dogs, my three kids —Kinsley, Huxley, and Daxton— and my husband, Doug, I’m usually as busy at home as I am at work. But that works for me. I like being busy — it makes every day an adventure!”
Urushiol oil triggers an allergic reaction in 85% of people, leading to the ensuing rash. Some people believe regular exposure to poison ivy can help develop an immunity to urushiol oil, but this isn’t the case. In fact, it’s just the opposite. About 15% of the population isn’t allergic to poison ivy, but the allergy can develop over time. The more you’re exposed to poison ivy, the worse your outbreak can become.
If you touch poison ivy, do not pour urine on your skin to prevent the rash.
INGREDIENTS
Urine, vinegar, dirt, bleach, and even gasoline are common “treatments” for preventing or curing a poison ivy rash. None of these are effective, and some can really hurt you. If you’ve been exposed to poison ivy, your best course of action is to wash your skin with soap and water. Cleaning off the urushiol oil within 20 minutes of exposure can greatly decrease your odds of developing a rash.
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1 1/4 cups flour
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2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup creamy, xylitol-free peanut butter
1/2 cup milk (replace with lactose-free milk for lactose- intolerant pups)
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1 large egg
When all is said and done, the best way to treat poison ivy is to
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. 2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing until soft dough forms. 3. Flour countertop, then roll dough to be 1-inch thick. Use 1 1/2-inch circle-shaped cookie cutter to cut dough into circles. Use all dough. 4. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cookies are an even color on top. (Note: Cookies will lighten in color as they cook.) Carefully remove from oven and transfer to wire rack to cool. 5. Smear a little peanut butter in the center of two cookies to make a sandwich, and serve to your favorite pooch! Pro Tip: To keep cookies fresh, don’t turn them all into sandwiches at the same time. Wait to put peanut butter between cookies until you’re ready to treat your dog. With this method, cookies will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
avoid it altogether. The next time you’re exploring the great outdoors, just remember: Leaves of three, leave them be.
www.PetersenPetHospital.com
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