There are many things a dog owner worries about, their pup running away, getting sick, or becoming injured. High on that list of feared events is having your dog sprayed by a skunk. Getting sprayed by a skunk is a smelly and unpleasant situation. However, it is important to remember that your dog is in no danger. If you take a deep breath (facing away from your dog), you can calmly address the situation. The following article explains some easy steps you can take to get rid of the skunk’s odor and how Atlanta dog sitting company Critter Sitters can help you care for your beloved furry family member.
Steps to Take to Get Rid of a Skunk Smell on Your Dog
If a skunk sprayed your dog, your first response might be to panic a bit – no one wants to deal with their pet reeking of skunk odor. Your second response might be to give your dog an immediate bath. What you should do is take a moment to relax and then begin treating the problem. If you do nothing, the skunk odor could linger up to three weeks.
Do Not Give Your Dog an Immediate Bath
When a skunk sprays your dog, you will want to get him into a bath. However, if you bathe your pup without having the necessary deskunking products on hand, the water and soap will help set the skunk’s oils into your pet’s coat. A bath without the appropriate tools will make removing the odor more difficult.
Do Not Let Your Dog In Your House
Keeping your dog outside should go without saying. You do not want the odor in your home and furniture. You will need some time to prep your pup’s bath, so you want to keep them contained and calm.
Buy or Prepare a Deskunking Shampoo
You should be able to purchase a deskunking shampoo at your local pet store. These products are specially designed and formulated to remove the oils that cause the odor. They do not merely cover or mask your dog’s newly acquired stink.
If you do not have access to a pet store, you could make a deskunking mixture at home. Take a quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide and mix in 1/3 cup of baking soda. Additionally, you will need to add a teaspoon of dishwashing soap. While this home remedy is useful, you will still want to get a professional product to ensure your pet is free from the skunk’s odor.
You should also have your ordinary bath supplies handy. When washing a dog that has been sprayed by a skunk, you will want to have gloves, washcloths, towels, and a water supply, such as a hose or buckets of warm water.
Apply the Deskunking Shampoo
Beginning with the area that was sprayed, start carefully applying the shampoo to your dog’s coat. If your dog was sprayed in the face, apply the shampoo to a soft cloth and gently rub around your pet’s eyes and muzzle. You should not spray any product directly into your dog’s face. Be sure to wear gloves – you do not want the skunk’s oils on your skin.
Deskunking products vary in some of their directions. Typically, you will have to allow the shampoo to remain on your dog for at least five minutes. Once the required time has passed, you should then gently rub the shampoo into your dog’s coat to ensure it breaks down any remaining oils.
Give Your Dog a Bath
Now it is time for a regular bath. Using ordinary dog soap or shampoo, give your pup a thorough scrubbing. Depending on the amount of spray and the strength of your deskunking product, you might have to repeat the process. If your dog still has an odor the following day, go through these steps an additional time.
Keeping Skunks Out of Your Yard
No one wants to deal with a dog that has been sprayed by a skunk. One of the best ways to deal with a skunk is to take steps to prevent them from getting into your yard and near your dog.
Skunks often come into a yard looking for food. If you keep trash cans open or dog bowls filled with food, you are sending an open invitation to skunks and other critters. This includes any fruit or berries that might fall from your trees or bushes. Keeping your yard free of tempting treats helps keep skunks away.
Skunks are not running around 24 hours a day. They prefer dusk, dawn, and moonlight. Therefore, if skunks are in your area, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your dog when they are outside during those times.
Skunks can be sneaky critters. They are looking for places to nest, sleep, and hide. Take some time to look through your yard and clear areas that appear to present ideal hiding spots. Your dog will thank you.
Professional Dog Sitters Serving Pet Owners in Atlanta
When your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, it might be miserable, but it is not the end of the world. By keeping calm and following the steps outlined above, you can treat your pet and have them smelling fresh again in very little time. Another way to avoid having your dog encounter a skunk is not to leave them outside all day. Our professional dog walkers and sitters are ready to take your beloved pooch on a stroll through the neighborhood. Call Atlanta pet sitting company Critter Sitters at (404) 793-6178 to discuss our services.
