It's no secret that dogs and skunks don't get along. A dog's first instinct is to chase after skunks, thinking they're just playing, until they get a face full of stinky skunk oil.
What's not so well known is that there's a way to treat this unpleasant encounter. Also if your dog does get sprayed by a skunk, there are some things you can do to help get the awful smell out.
How dangerous is skunk odor to dogs?
Skunk Spray can cause much harm if a dog ingests or inhales the substance. Skunk spray is a yellow oil that contains sulfurous chemicals called thiols, which are responsible for its characteristic odor.
Sulfur has an odor often described as spoiled cabbage or rotten eggs. The higher the proportion of the chemical, the more dangerous it is.
Researchers have pinpointed that skunk spray contains a toxic component that acts like the one in garlic and onion, which has already been proven to be fatal in canines. Toxins in skunk spray cause anemia and harm vital organs in the body. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur after ingesting the spray.
This happens as a result of the poisons' effects on the body, which include causing anemia and injuring key organs. It's crucial to note that skunk spray usually causes vomiting in dogs, but if it doesn't seem to be stopping, there may be something more seriously wrong with your canine companion's body, and you'll need expert care.
If your dog requires fluids or any other care they'll be provided by your veterinarian.
Signs that your dog has been sprayed by a skunk and needs medical attention
If you notice any of the following signs, it's likely that your dog has been sprayed by a skunk and needs medical attention:
- Overwhelming smell of skunk on your dog's fur or skin.
- Your dog is shaking his head or rubbing his face on the ground.
- Redness in your dog's eyes.
- Swelling around your dog's eyes or muzzle.
- Excessive drooling.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
If you notice any of these signs, it's best to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Skunk's spray can be very irritating and even dangerous if it gets in your pet's eyes, so it's important to get him checked out as soon as possible. In most cases, it is not dangerous, it's just a hassle to get the skunk smell out of your dog's fur.
How to get Skunk Spray off Dog
If your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, don't panic! There are things you can do to help them. Here are some tips on how to clean your dog and get the skunk odor out of his fur.
If your dog has been sprayed by a skunk:
The first thing you need to do is leave them outside until you are prepared. Open all the windows and doors to let fresh air in before you bring your pup inside.
If you have a hose and the option of warm water you can bathe your dog outside.
If you have Nuesta Pets Skunk Odor Removal System on hand, follow these steps:
- 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.
Home Remedies for Skunk Spray
If you don't have Nuesta Pets Skunk Odor Removal System, you can whip together a temporary home remedy.
- STEP 1: Mix 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap, and 1/4 cup baking soda.
- STEP 2: Be sure you're wearing rubber gloves and wash your dog with the solution immediately after being sprayed. Be extra careful to not get the solution in your dog's eyes!
- STEP 3: Use lukewarm water and rinse thoroughly, and don't leave the solution on for too long! (Peroxide can bleach the fur)
Next, wash with your favorite Nuesta Pets Dog Shampoo. By this time your pup should be deskunked and smelling better!
Be sure to towel dry them thoroughly, blow-dry them, or let them lay in a sunny room to dry and stay warm!
Next, is your clean-up time! Your pup may have rubbed up against you before bathing them. If this is the case you can wash your clothes with your regular laundry detergent and 1/2 cup of baking soda which will help get rid of skunk odor.
You may want to ventilate the area used to bathe your dog for a little while to get the scent out of the room!
Deep dive into products that help get rid of skunk spray
There are many products on the market that can help get rid of the smell of skunk spray from your dog's skin. Some people swear by tomato juice, while others prefer to use a mix of hydrogen peroxide-baking soda mixture or vinegar and water mixture.
Our best recommendation though is 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.
There are numerous sites that provide hundreds of recipes for de-skunking your dog or cat, and a simple search online may bring up hundreds of results. If you want to treat your pet at home, we recommend that you follow these 2 organic methods while you wait for your Skunk Odor Shampoo:
TOMATO JUICE: Online myth suggests you drench your pet with tomato sauce and leave it for at least 7-10 minutes. We don't like this approach since it may stain the dog's coat, and it only masks the scent it does not fully de-skunk. If you choose this method be sure to rinse and use Nuesta shampoo as well.
VINEGAR: In a plastic spray bottle or one that you can squeeze-mix together 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts water. Wet coat, starting with the area the skunk sprayed, work mixture in one section at a time.
Be sure to wear rubber gloves during this process. The vinegar should sit for no less than 5 minutes to give the solution its maximum effectiveness. Rinse the coat. This procedure may need to be repeated 2-3 times. No need to worry, after 1-2 days your pet's coat will no longer smell like apple cider vinegar!
The recipe by Paul Krebaum, which was published in the August 1995 edition of Popular Science magazine, is another common household remedy for removing skunk odor from your dog or cat:
1 qt hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup of baking soda
1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent soap
Mix together hydrogen peroxide-baking soda, and dish detergent in a large bowl. Massage it onto your pet's coat, concentrating on the fur all around the skunk-sprayed region. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary until you get rid of the skunk smell.
Never store the hydrogen peroxide solution in a closed container as it will blow up if put in a bottle. Wash the fur immediately after treatment with peroxide, as it might bleach (discolor) your dog's coat.
To ensure that you are properly bathing your pup and removing all of the skunk spray check out our Back to Basics Article!
How to prevent your dog from getting sprayed in the first place
It's no fun when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk. Not only does it stink, but it can be a real hassle trying to get the smell out.
Skunks are common in many parts of North America, so it's important to know how to prevent your dog from getting sprayed in the first place.
There are several things you can do to minimize the chances of your dog getting sprayed:
- Keep your dog on a leash when you're out walking. This will help you keep better control over your pet and prevent him from getting too close to a skunk.
- If you live in an area with a lot of skunks, consider building a fence around your property. This will help keep skunks out of your yard and away from your dog.
- Make sure your garbage cans are securely covered. Skunks are attracted to food waste, so if your garbage is left uncovered, it's more likely that a skunk will come looking for a meal.
- If you see a skunk, keep your dog inside or away from it. Skunks are generally shy animals, but if they feel threatened, skunks spray. If you see a skunk on your property, try to scare it off by making loud noises.
You should now be fully versed in what to do when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk. It's important to remember that time is of the essence - so don't wait around if it happens!
The sooner you start treatment, the better your chance of getting rid of skunk odor and getting your pup back to smelling normal. and ready for snuggles!! If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us we are happy to help!
