De-Skunking Your Dog
Have you ever had the misfortune of being sprayed by a skunk? If you’ve ever been in relatively close proximity to one you’re probably aware of the acrid, sharp stink they have and how it permeates the air around them even when they’re not really using their gland offensively. You may have heard the folk solutions such as tomato juice and vinegar, but all they really do is help cover up the odor while it sticks on your skin. There are products out there specifically made for this type of situation, but you may be hard-pressed for time when you get sprayed, plus the last thing you want is walking down the aisle with eau-du-skunk wafting behind you. That’s one of the things on top of our list of things to avoid in life. Your dog will not have the same common sense you do however, as it will likely bark, or worse try to harass the smelly stranger in front of them. Skunks are notoriously capable of spraying their chemical weapon far enough to hit you from several paces back, so the last thing you want is to deal with it. Accidents happen however, so poor Fluffy may need to be thoroughly cleaned after his close encounter with a skunk. The following tips will give you some pointers how to solve your conundrum:
- As soon as you notice your dog has been skunked, you need to find yourself a good, long pair of latex or rubber gloves and some old clothes you won’t mind throwing away or burning and check the puppy for scratches and bites. You also need to take a good look at their eyes in case there is any redness or other injuries. If you have any, you would do well to get in touch with your veterinarian to keep them safe.
- Time is of great importance in this situation, since the longer you wait, the worse things will be. Get ready for bathing your puppy outside so you can clean them easier, or you can also use a bathroom or laundry room where there is a drain you can use. Do open a window to save yourself from the stench if you’re inside though.
- You need to apply some eye lubricant or mineral oil to your dog’s eyes as it will help protect them in case some of the solution splashes or drips. Prepare for a lot of squirming and whining and do your best to keep them calm.
- Grab a plastic container; combine a ¼ cup of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of liquid soap and about a quart of hydrogen peroxide. Mix them well and ad some warm water for larger breeds of dogs. The solution will fizz, so you need to use it right away. Professional groomers also suggest dousing your pooch with Coca Cola first to remove the oils.
- Avoid soaking your dog with water before you bathe them, you should instead start cleaning the affected areas as best as you can. Massage the solution into the dog’s coat so you can deep clean it. Use a washcloth or a sponge to make it happen and avoid working with it close to the eyes, mouth or ears if possible.
- You need to allow it to work for at least five minutes minimum, longer if the smell persists. Rinse the dog when you’re done with warm water and repeat until the smell is gone. Dry them with a towel and give them a treat. All done!
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