As dog owners, it's essential to be prepared for the possibility that they may get sprayed by a skunk. Skunk spray is one of the most foul-smelling substances in the world, and it can have negative effects and cause serious damage to your dog's skin and coat.
In this article, we'll discuss how to protect your dog from stinky skunk spray, how to remove skunk spray from your dog's coat, and how to prevent skunk spraying in the future.
What to do when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk
If your pup gets sprayed by a skunk, there are some things you can do to help get the smell out. Our best advice is to use a skunk shampoo made for dogs.
If you don't have Nuesta Pets Skunk Odor Removal System on hand, you can always use home remedies.
First, rinse your dog off with lots of cold water. This will help to remove as much of the skunk spray as possible. Then, mix together one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, a one-fourth cup of baking soda, and one teaspoon of dish soap.
While wearing rubber gloves work this mixture into your dog's fur, be extremely careful around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Let it sit for five minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with cool water.
Once finished rinsing, shampoo again with Nuesta's Skunk Shampoo once it arrives!
For some back-to-basic tips on bathing your pup check out: Our How to Bathe a Dog Article
How to clean your dog after getting sprayed by a skunk
Dogs often get sprayed by skunks when they wander too close to their territory. If they get sprayed, it's important to clean them as soon as possible to avoid any lasting damage or odor.
Tomato products, such as tomato juice and sauce, do not eliminate skunk odor, contrary to popular belief and online myth. Tomato juice or sauce may help mask the strong odor, but they do not oxidize or destroy the thiols or thioacetates that cause them.
The best way to clean a dog after getting sprayed by a skunk is with Nuesta Pets' Skunk Odor Removal System. Our unique formula uses activated charcoal to absorb and destroy strong odor causing sulfurs and bacteria for complete odor removal from pets, upholstery, and clothes.
- STEP 1: Apply Nuesta Pets Skunk Odor Remover Deodorant Spray directly onto the source of the odor. Leave on for 5 minutes and brush through.
- STEP 2: In the bath or outside, apply Nuesta Pets Skunk Odor Remover Pet Shampoo with a heavy lather. Massage in and allow it to work its magic. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it out.
- STEP 3: Towel dry and follow up with Nuesta Pets Skunk Odor Remover Deodorant Spray for long term odor control. Reapply and brush out as needed to keep your furry friend fresh and ready for snuggles.
What to do if your dog gets sprayed in the eyes
Skunks have specialized sacs located by the anal glands that produce a yellow oil and are made up of volatile compounds called thiol which react with the water in your dog's eyes to create sulfuric acid. This can cause toxic effects and feel like tear gas causing a lot of pain and possible damage.
The first thing you should do if your dog’s eyes are red or inflamed is flush their eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Do not use soap, as it will sting and further irritate the eyes.
There are also veterinary eyewash solutions that are safe for your pet's eyes, and if you live in an area where skunks thrive, it might be a good idea to have some on hand.
If the inflammation doesn't go away, contact your veterinarian right away as the spray can damage the dog's delicate cornea and cause temporary blindness.
What to do if your dog gets sprayed in the mouth
Because dogs are most frequently hit by skunks as they attempt to catch them, they are often sprayed in the face. If your pup gets sprayed directly in the mouth this may result in salivation and possibly mouth ulcers, or other symptoms.
Skunk spray, like onion and garlic, can be very harmful to dogs. After ingesting the chemical, dogs may begin vomiting and having diarrhea. Anemia is a result of these poisons and is to blame for the harm to key organs in the dog's body.
You should be aware that skunk sprays are likely to induce vomiting, but if it doesn't appear to be stopping, your dog's health may be worsening and you require immediate assistance.
When this happens, you must visit the veterinarian at once.
Your vet may give your dog fluids or veterinary medicine to assist in his/her recovery.
How to prevent your dog from getting sprayed in the future
There are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from getting sprayed by a skunk in the future. The probability of encountering a skunk increases in the warmer months.
First, keep your dog on a leash when you're outside, so you can pull them away from a possible skunk encounter. Skunks tend to spray when they feel threatened
Second, make sure your dog is well-trained and knows how to respond to basic commands like "come" or "stay." This will help you keep them under control if they do get too close to a skunk.
Finally, if you have a dog that likes to dig, be sure to keep them away from any potential skunk dens. If you follow these simple tips, you can help prevent your dog from getting sprayed by a skunk in the future.
Tips for dealing with a skunks spray smell in your home
Skunks project an extremely foul-smelling secretion, and it can take weeks or even months for the smell to dissipate.
But don't worry, there are a few things you can do to get the skunk smell out of your home.
- Open all the windows and doors to air out the house.
- Wash all of your contaminated clothing in a regular detergent mixed with 1/2 a cup of baking soda. You may also want to shampoo your carpets and upholstery. Nuesta Pets' Skunk Odor Removal System works wonders on fabrics as well as epts
- If the skunk odor is still lingering, you can try using a deodorizer or an ozone machine.
To avoid reintroducing the smell in your home:
You may want to change the filters on your air conditioners, heaters, and furnace.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to get rid of the skunk smell in your home in no time.
We've outlined how to clean your dog as well as protect them from future skunk encounters. Keep your sweet pup smelling paw-some! If you have any questions or concerns, please email us or consult your veterinarian.
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