Skunk. A single word that fills even the nigh intrepid dog owner with dread. The smell, the nightmare of getting information technology off, the waste of perfectly good tomato juice… Let'due south face information technology, aught about your dog getting sprayed by a skunk is pleasant. Unfortunately, 1 of our ain dogs was the victim of a quite vigorous skunking (in her face, no less!) this by weekend, which sent us to the good former internet to see what nosotros could find for a treatment. What we found was a wealth of information and a class of activeness that fabricated a huge divergence for poor Lucy! We're sharing what we learned here to help you should you lot find your own pup in this predicament.

Most skunks

Skunks are a fellow member of their own unique beast family, merely are believed to be related to the weasel family equally well (ferrets, weasels, otters, badgers, stoats, and wolverines). They are omnivores, eating both meat and vegetation, and are crepuscular in nature, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. They live in dens that they dig in the ground, and go into semi-hibernation in the colder months. They are most agile during the spring and summer, when the weather is warmest. This fourth dimension of year is prime time for skunks.

Common skunk. Photo by Lee Ruk via Flickr.Skunks are generally non-ambitious animals that prefer flight to fight; however, when threatened, they are capable of spraying an incredibly foul-smelling substance a distance of up to 16 feet. This stinky spray is a thick, yellowish, oily compound that is degraded from urine and released from olfactory property glands located on either side of their back stop. The principle component of this stinky secretion is called mercaptan (when yous win Jeopardy by knowing that, allow us know!), and contains sulfur – hence the stench. In fact, mercaptan is added to olfactory property-gratis natural gases to that we can tell if we've sprung gas leaks in our stoves or furnaces.

When a skunk is preparing to spray, information technology will arch its dorsum, enhance his tail loftier, and begin hissing and stomping his feet on the footing. He may fifty-fifty do headstands with his back and tail arched towards the intruder. When he actually sprays, he will bend into a U-shape, with his head and back cease facing the intruder, and let 'er rip, aiming his spray primarily at the intruder'south face up.

As a upshot, animals that become sprayed past skunks tend to have the burden of information technology in their face. This should not cause permanent damage, only make sure to keep an eye on your pet'due south eyes, nose, and mouth for a few days. If redness, irritation, and/or secretions occur, make sure to get your pet to a vet right away.

OK, but my dog already got skunked. Now what?

Dog not happy about his skunk bath. Photo by Oakley Originals via Flickr.If your dog found himself on the business finish of a skunk, time is absolutely of the essence. The longer the spray sits, the more it sets and the harder it is to become out. If not properly treated, the smell can concluding for months (or longer!) If your groomer is open, give them a phone call and run into if they can arrange an emergency appointment. If that's not possible, then here's a DIY solution for yous.

Start things first, change into some quondam apparel that y'all don't mind getting rid of afterward, as they're going to odour to high heavens. Washing the clothes will not remove all of the skunk oil and may leave a skunk oil residue in the washing machine. Yuck! Also, throw on a pair of rubber or latex dish gloves or something like; you lot don't want to get the skunk spray on your hands.

Despite what you've heard, save the tomato plant juice for a Encarmine Mary; it's ineffective at all-time, and can stain your pup's coat at worst. There are several store-bought enzymatic sprays yous can apply to become rid of skunk spray on a dog, such equally Nature'southward Miracle® Skunk Odor Remover. But of class, we rarely accept something similar this on paw when nosotros need information technology, so merely follow the steps below for a clean, fresh, stink- and discoloration-complimentary dog.

1. Sequester your canis familiaris exterior. The last thing yous desire is that stink getting in the house. The skunk oil can be transferred to rugs, upholstery, and other items in the house, and it tin can terminal for quite a while.

2. Put on clothes that y'all can throw away later and protective rubber or latex gloves.

3. Check your domestic dog for cuts and scratches caused by the animal; if you find any, skip the rest of these steps and bring your dog to the vet ASAP.

4. Prepare for an outdoor bath. Get a tub if need be, towels y'all don't heed throwing out after, the hose, and a helper if possible.

5. DON'T HOSE YOUR DOG DOWN Correct Away! This can make the stink worse and get in harder to get off. Also, if your dog has whatsoever cuts or cracks in his pare, this could rinse the skunk spray into them and crusade pain, burning, and irritation and could pb to skin problems downwards the road.

half dozen. Apply a bit of eye lubricant or ane-2 drops of mineral oil to your dog'due south optics. This will protect the eyes in case you lot get any water or other substances in them during the cleaning procedure.

7. Mix up the following in an OPEN container (as it creates a chemical reaction and could EXPLODE in a closed container):

– 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide (check the expiration date!)
– ¼ cup baking soda
– 1 teaspoon of strong liquid soap, such as Dawn dishwashing detergent

For larger dogs, you can also add some lukewarm h2o to the mixture. DO NOT employ a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide; it can burn down the domestic dog's skin. Too, make sure both the hydrogen peroxide and blistering soda are every bit fresh every bit possible. If either has been sitting in the cabinet or fridge for months, it's best to run out to the pharmacy and pick upwardly some fresh supplies (as they can suspension down over time and lose their effectiveness).

8. Locate the expanse(s) where the canis familiaris got sprayed. Wet the expanse(s) with the solution and thoroughly massage the solution into the coat. An old sponge works well for this. Be careful not to spread it to other areas as yous're massaging, every bit the skunk spray is oily and spreads hands.  The oil is what makes it and so difficult to remove.

9. If your dog got sprayed in the face up, you lot tin can apply the mixture to a cloth and wash the canis familiaris's face that way, beingness careful to avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth. Meet the video beneath for a how-to on getting skunk spray off your canis familiaris'south face and chest.

10. Let the mixture sit for v-10 minutes, then thoroughly rinse the dog off with lukewarm water.

11. Repeat steps 7-10 until the stink is gone.

12. Dry your pup well and requite him a treat – or several!

xiii. Run to the pet shop and pick upwardly some skunk odor removal spray to accept on mitt in case this happens once more. Also, have a look around your yard and identify places skunks are likely to hide, then you lot know where to keep your dog abroad from in the future.

xiv. If you find a spot in the yard that has been saturated in skunk spray, it is probably a adept idea to restrict your pet from that area until the odor is gone. The oiliness of the spray allows it to linger and it could end upwardly on your pet over again if he/she plays in that area. If you have a Hidden Fence system, your local Dealer can assistance you create a temporary 'avoidance zone.' If you do not have a Hidden Fence and are interested in learning more, visit www.dogwatch.com or contact your local DogWatch Dealer.

FIND YOUR DOGWATCH DEALER

15. Make sure to not leave trash out overnight when possible, as this can besides attract skunks.

Important to notation

Skunk spray has been linked to incidences of various anemias in dogs due to some of the compounds in it. Spotter your dog advisedly for iii-five days after it was sprayed, looking for lethargy, weakness, and/or discolored urine. If you note whatever of the above, bring the dog to the vet ASAP.

Our data came from these groovy manufactures:
How to Remove the Skunk Smell from Dogs by Jenna Stregowski, RVT
What to Do When Your Domestic dog Has Been Skunked by Dr. Dawn Ruben

Photo credits (elevation to lesser):
Oakley Originals via Flickr
Lee Ruk via Flickr