Having your dog sprayed by a skunk is a harrowing experience for most dog owners. Skunk spray is incredibly powerful and nauseating. If your dog appears to be in serious distress, or if it was sprayed near the face, take it to a veterinarian immediately. Then, wash your dog with the right de-skunking products. The smell of the spray will go away if you take the right steps. Call Skunk Control if you have any questions, or if you need to have a skunk removed from your property. We offer humane solutions to all skunk problems.
First things first: keep the dog outside. You should avoid bringing the dog into the house because the smell will linger in the air and cling to your furniture. Get some de-skunking dog soap from your veterinarian or a local pet shop and read the instructions carefully. Wash the dog outside, if you can. Put on a pair of gloves and massage the soap into your dog’s fur. Be careful not to get any soap in its eyes. When you’re done, rinse the dog clean with a garden hose. Repeat once or twice more, then towel dry your dog. Let the dog dry before going back indoors.
The reason skunk spray smells for so long is because it is oily. The oil clings to skin, fur, and fabrics, then it won’t wash off with regular soap. This is why it’s so important that you wash your dog with de-skunking soap. You must resist the urge to bathe your dog in regular soap, first. Once you have washed your dog, make sure that you ventilate your home to get rid of any lingering odors. Then, wash your clothes and your dog’s collar in hot water, with regular laundry detergent and half a cup of baking soda. Do not use the dryer – air dry instead, preferably in the sun.
How to Get Rid of Skunks
If your dog was sprayed by a skunk, there may be a skunk den on your property. Skunks are skittish animals that avoid spraying unless they feel absolutely threatened. Check the sides of your deck, porch, shed, and crawl space for signs of digging. Skunks like to dig under these structures for shelter. If you see anything suspicious, try surrounding the den with dirty cat litter or rags soaked in apple cider vinegar. The smell will mimic the smell of predator urine, which might scare the skunk away. You can also try turning on some talk radio during the day to harass the skunk out of its den.
When all else fails, call a wildlife removal company for help. A technician will inspect your property, find where the animal is hiding, and remove it safely. Professionals use what is called a one-way door. This lets the animal leave on its own, then be unable to get back inside. In addition to the door, a technician can fully skunk-proof your property by installing a mesh along the perimeter of your deck, shed, and more, preventing future invasions from happening. Call Skunk Control for humane and affordable skunk removal services in the GTA.