February is the beginning of skunk mating season. While our thoughts turn to love each February, it seems that skunks are thinking about the same thing. They seem to be everywhere this year. While looking out my front window the other night, I saw one waddling across my sidewalk, two feet from my porch steps. As a professional pet sitter, I live in fear of a dog or cat in my care being sprayed by a skunk. The best way to reduce the risk of this happening is to not allow them to roam free, particularly at night. If dogs are kept in a fenced yard or on a leash, you dramatically reduce the risk. Underground fences, of course, offer no protection.
What should you do if your pet does get sprayed? There are many myths and old wive's tales about what works. I always heard tomato juice or vinegar, but I read that this actually only masks the smell. Also, there are solutions you can buy for this purpose, but that can be expensive. Although, thankfully, I have no experience with this, I did do a little online research and found this recipe and instructions for skunk odor removal. According to several articles from reputable sources, this works..although it may take several applications.
Put on old clothes and rubber gloves. Next, check the pet for any bites and scratches, as well as injuries to their eyes. Your veterinarian will need to be contacted if any injuries are found. Skunks can carry rabies. If the animal seems fine physically, proceed with bathing your pet. Time is of the essence here, as the longer you wait, the harder it will be to get rid of the stench. Put a couple of drops of mineral oil in your pet's eyes to protect from splashes, then mix together:
1 qt. of hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup of baking soda
1 to 2 tsp. of liquid soap such as Dawn
You can add lukewarm water as needed for large dogs. Mix these ingredients well. It is very important that you don't soak your pet with water before applying. Massage the solution into your pet's coat, but avoid the ears, eyes and mouth. Let the solution remain on your pet for at least 5 minutes, longer if necessary. Repeat as many times as needed.
During this season of hearts and flowers, keep an eye out for our black & white, furry friends who are seeking their own valentine, and I hope this is a recipe that you never have to use. :)
What should you do if your pet does get sprayed? There are many myths and old wive's tales about what works. I always heard tomato juice or vinegar, but I read that this actually only masks the smell. Also, there are solutions you can buy for this purpose, but that can be expensive. Although, thankfully, I have no experience with this, I did do a little online research and found this recipe and instructions for skunk odor removal. According to several articles from reputable sources, this works..although it may take several applications.
Put on old clothes and rubber gloves. Next, check the pet for any bites and scratches, as well as injuries to their eyes. Your veterinarian will need to be contacted if any injuries are found. Skunks can carry rabies. If the animal seems fine physically, proceed with bathing your pet. Time is of the essence here, as the longer you wait, the harder it will be to get rid of the stench. Put a couple of drops of mineral oil in your pet's eyes to protect from splashes, then mix together:
1 qt. of hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup of baking soda
1 to 2 tsp. of liquid soap such as Dawn
You can add lukewarm water as needed for large dogs. Mix these ingredients well. It is very important that you don't soak your pet with water before applying. Massage the solution into your pet's coat, but avoid the ears, eyes and mouth. Let the solution remain on your pet for at least 5 minutes, longer if necessary. Repeat as many times as needed.
During this season of hearts and flowers, keep an eye out for our black & white, furry friends who are seeking their own valentine, and I hope this is a recipe that you never have to use. :)
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