Skunks and Dangers to Your Pets
Skunk spray and feces pose the largest threats to household pets like dogs and cats. If you spot a skunk in the yard, don't let your animals out. Once sprayed, your pet will smell extremely foul until the proper chemicals are used to wash the fur. Moreso than the extremely awful odor is the risk of the spray entering the eyes and mouth of a dog or cat. You should seek the care of a veterinarian if your dog or cat is sprayed in the face because the spray can cause damage to nerves in the face if left for a prolonged period of time.
Dog or Cat Sprayed By a Skunk
First things first, don't try to rinse with water. The base of the spray is oily and will only cause it to spread to wherever you are washing the dog (hopefully not your shower and outside!). Get some eyedrops or mineral oil and apply it to the dogs eyes to keep the oils from rinsing into their eyes and causing discomfort. Mix together dish soap, baking soda, and peroxide in small batches and begin washing the animal while the substance is still bubbling.
The baking soda, dish soap, and peroxide mixture will neutralize the odor by turning the oils into an odorless water-soluble solution. 1 qt of 3% peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1-2 teaspons of liquid dishsoap is the correct mixture, but you may want to half that and work in sections to keep the mixture bubbling. REMINDER: Mix this in an open container. Don't use a closed bottle or it WILL explode.
Skunk Bites and Scratches
As with humans, you need to be worried about your pets contracting rabies from open wounds created by skunks. Cal lyour veterinarian right away for advice on skunk bites and scratches and to verify that your dog has had its rabies shots kept up to date. Be careful of bits and scratches wif the dog has been sprayed as well. Use mineral oil to prevent the cut from getting the skunk oil into it because it will cause the dog to fell intense pain.
Skunk Spray and Enclosed Spaces
WARNING: Skunk spray can cause animals and humans to pass out if it is sprayed and contained within n enclosed space, and inhaled. Move yourself and or your pet to an open area as soon as possible to prevent from passing out. Dogs may experience convulsions or worse effects inside of an enclosed space due to heightened smell receptors.