Getting “Skunked”

Now that the weather is warmer and we are out and about with our pets more often, let’s review what to do about our outdoor neighbor – the skunk.

                

 Most people have no problem identifying a skunk by sight or smell. Skunks are most active during twilight, dawn and dusk.  They have excellent hearing and sense of smell but do not see well.  Skunks are relatively docile creatures, only defending themselves when threatened.  Unfortunately, our dog and cat friends are naturally curious and will inadvertently threaten a skunk by being nosy.

                

 A skunk’s first line of defense is “defensive posturing.”  This includes hissing, stamping of its feet and raising its tail as a warning.   (Most humans run at this point!)  If the warnings are ignored, the skunk will spray anal gland secretions (known as spray or musk) with incredible accuracy.  Keep in mind, skunk spray was once used as a biological weapon, so you can imagine how effective it is in keeping predators away.

                

Symptoms that your pet may exhibit after being sprayed include swollen and/or red eyes, drooling or squinting, not to mention the lovely aroma that accompanies their presence (this odor is described as a combination of rotten eggs, garlic and burnt rubber!).   Many dogs will rub their faces, roll, sneeze, and vomit.  Temporary blindness can occur if the spray is directly in the eyes.

                 

If you see these ocular symptoms, you can rinse the eyes out with clean water or eye wash (bring a clothespin for your nose!!).  However, if they persist or vomiting occurs, it is wise to consult a veterinarian.  There are instances of toxicity associated with skunk spray.

                 

For the odor, bathing in a peroxide/baking soda/detergent compound works well.  Working outside (the smell will rub off on your furniture if the dog/cat rubs on it), use the following formula:

• One quart fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 1-2 tsp of liquid dishwashing detergent.

For large dogs, add one quart of tepid water to ensure complete coverage.

                 

Mix the above ingredients together. Bathe the animal outdoors. Apply the formula to the pet, working deeply into the fur, and allow it to set for five minutes.   Rinse with LOTS of water after the 5 minute soak.  Repeat if necessary.

This mixture must be used promptly and will not work if stored for any amount of time.  Do NOT store in a closed container, as the peroxide releasing oxygen may break the container.  The pet’s fur (as well as anything else this formula touches) may be bleached by the formula, so wear old clothes and use old towels. 

One last warning:  skunks can carry rabies.  If a pet is bitten by a skunk, take it immediately to a veterinarian and report the bite to the proper authorities.