For part of the mammalian world, however, poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans, is a food, even a choice delicacy. A severe allergic reaction when the skin is exposed to poison ivy is almost exclusively a human problem. There are also anecdotal reports of dogs experiencing discomfort after hairless skin areas touch bruised poison ivy. Some sensitive higher primates react to poison ivy to some extent, as do guinea pigs, which often resemble humans in their allergic reactions. Are any animals besides humans affected by poison ivy?

Source: New York Times July 04, 2016 15:22 UTC