The smell of a skunk is one that will forever be implanted in our memory. The scent is unmistakable, and if you can smell your dog from a mile away, you know what happened. If not properly removed, the smell and stank of skunk oil can linger for up to an entire year! So your dog got sprayed by a skunk, now what do you do?
Clean The Face
Like us, dogs will close their eyes when the see something coming at them. Unfortunately a skunk spray is fast, and can connect with your dogs eyes if they do not reflex in time. If your dog has smells of skunk and has red eyes and is blinking fast, it is likely your pup got a spray right to the face. The first thing you should do is flush out your dogs eyes rigorously with clean water (ideally with over-the-counter saline solution). If eye irritation continues, seek veterinary help. After the eyes have been flushed, continue to rinse out the mouth and ears. Skunk spray has a particularly high sulfur content and can burn and irritate your dogs skin.
Bath Time!
Your probably going to want to comfort your dog afterwards, don't! Get that doggie in the bath ASAP! The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get the odor out. You can spray your dogs coat with some Natural Touch SKUNKED! Deodorizing Spray before bathing or while preparing the bath, to make your own life less miserable and to stop the spread of the skunk odor. We recommend that you always keep a bottle of skunk specific shampoo in your home in case of emergency (Pisces recommends: Kin + Kind Dog/Cat Skunk Shampoo). If you do not have a shampoo, you can create your own at home, though it will not work quite as well as the store-bought stuff:
- 1 quart (2 500ml bottles) hydrogen peroxide 3 percent (U.S.P). It must be fresh (it expires after 6 months, and it must be fresh to be effective)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 to 2 teaspoons liquid soap (Ivory Liquid Cleanser or Softsoap are most effective)
- 1 quart lukewarm water (only needed for very large dogs)
- A clean plastic bucket, bowl, or another mixing container (uncovered)
- Clean plastic utensils for mixing
- Protective eye ointment or mineral oil for the dog's eyes
- Latex or rubber gloves
- A protective apron and eye goggles if possible
- Plenty of paper towels and cloth towels
Begin ASAP to massage the solution into your dogs coat, starting with the affected areas. Really get in there, don't be shy! After your whole dog is thoroughly lathered in the skunk shampoo, let sit for at least 5 minutes. Rinse and repeat until the odor has detoured. After it is all done, immediately throw all your clothes, towels and other tainted fabrics in the wash. We recommend using Natural Touch SKUNKED! Laundry Additive to help get the odor out.
Spray Prevention
Some accidents are unavoidable, but there are things you can do to help prevent skunk sprays. Skunks are nocturnal, so it may be helpful to keep your porch light on or accompany your dog when you let him or her out at night. If you are not bothered by the light at night, you may want to keep your light on all night. Keeping the lids securely on your garbage and recycling will help keep skunks uninterested in your property.
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