Remember When I Stunk Like a Skunk?
/Who doesn't love the smell of a good dog or cat covered in skunk spray? I'm sure that we have all been there at some point when one of our cats or dogs has come home with the lovely aroma of skunk. You quickly try everything that you read on line to try and get rid of the smell as fast as you can. We drag them to the tub for the first of many baths to rectify this horrible situation. However before you just throw them in the tub please read the rest of this blog because you will learn putting them in the tub will not be a good idea...
The skunk stores their "spray" in their anal glands-we learned about those lovely little glands in our last blog! These little critters really are amazing, their spray can reach up to 15 feet, they are very accurate and almost always hit their target. The spray is a volatile liquid with a mixture of seven different compounds. Instinctively skunks use their spray as a defense mechanism to deter predators or people. Lets shed some light on the myth that if skunks are out during the daytime they are rabid. This is false. In most cases if you see a skunk out in the daylight she is generally a hungry mother gathering food for her and her kits. Skunks are considered to be "crepuscular" meaning that they are most active primarily during the "twilight" time of day (dusk and dawn).
If you find yourself in this situation when suddenly your pet comes home covered in this smell NEVER just throw them into the tub.Traditional baths just don't cut it!!! Skunk spray contains a thioacetate compound which will activate and enhance the smell of the spray when water is added. Tomato juice is also a no-no, it only helps to mask the smell NOT eliminate the intolerable odor.
We have a solution that really does work! This will eliminate the smell, just in time for the season of skunks and mischief. Hopefully, no one has to use it this season but if you need it here it is!
1 qt of hydrogen peroxide
1/4 baking soda
2 tbsp of Dawn (has to be the original blue dawn for best results)
Please keep in mind when you combine the peroxide with the baking soda it will start to fizz. You CANNOT just make this mixture and keep it on the shelf at home, the pressure will build up in the bottle and it will burst!
Getting sprayed by a skunk is not just a stinky nuisance but there are some health risks involved as well. You may notice things like ocular (eye) swelling, blood shot eyes, squinting, sneezing, vomiting, or even some temporary blindness. If you notice your animal is experiencing any of these symptoms please contact your veterinarian and have your animal seen.