It is highly unlikely that dogs get rabies from skunk spray. The only way for a dog to get rabies from a skunk is to get directly bitten by it. When the virus enters the bloodstream it affects the nervous system and muscles. It can take up to days or even weeks to see noticeable change in the behaviour of the dog. The dog may appear to be lethargic, drool excessively, be sensitive to light, vomit, and may even drool a lot. Skunks are often feared for their spray that gets secreted from their scent glands. If a dog does get sprayed the dog might get nauseous, vomit, and can actually act like tear gas.
There is no actual way to prevent dogs from getting bitten by skunks completely, but you can take some precautions by keeping the dog on a leash, making sure that the dog is in your view at all times, and taking the dog to familiar open field areas. In terms of the backyard, you can recognize the following signs when it comes to spotting skunk presence in yards.
Skunks have a habit of tunnel burrows under existing structures close to a base so they can go in and out when they please. They also tunnel near vegetation and sheds. You must recognize these signs. You might see tracks, dirt that is spread around the grass. If you have flowerbeds you might notice that they have been trampled on.
Our skunk removal process goes through these phases:
After conducting a full exterior inspection of the property in which we seek out all possible entry points that skunks may exploit to enter the property, we then present our findings to the property owner. The findings include a detailed list of recommendations for sealing up entry points and photographic evidence for clarity and transparency throughout the process. Skunks are different from all the other common wildlife that you know of. Skunks rarely go inside of properties and prefer to dig burrows under decks and sheds which can cause structural damage to these constructions.
To start the removal process, our technicians will strategically install a ‘One-Way Door’ based on the findings of the exterior inspection. In the majority of cases that we encounter, skunks use one entry-point that they will also use to exit the property in search of food and water. The One-Way Door allows the skunk to leave but not re-enter causing the skunk to leave definitively. During the removal process, we never kill or harm the skunk as we believe that humane and safe treatment of skunks is our top priority. After installing the One-Way Door and we place “L” shaped galvanized steel mesh panels around the perimeter of the deck or shed by digging a foot deep trench on the first visit, we then come for a second visit to remove the One-Way Door after which the technician will seal the entry-point with galvanized steel mesh.
The best way to combat skunks in yards is to hire an experienced wildlife pest control technician. Wildlife technicians are licensed experts trained to handle wildlife animals that roam the Peterborough region. Through years of experience, they have created an impressive track record of successfully handled cases. By hiring the animal control experts from Skunk Control, you will receive excellent service at an incredibly affordable price coupled with a comprehensive guarantee that will cover you for any incidents long after we’re gone.