Spring brings out the skunks!!!
Dog...beware of skunk!!
With Spring here, many of natures creatures will come out to greet the world after months of hibernation. One of the most animals most likely to show themselves early in the spring season is the skunk. If anyone has been near or around a skunk that has sprayed, you know how pungent the smell is.
Many dogs, curious or predatory may come upon a skunk and then be unpleasantly surprised by being sprayed. While the spray is not toxic, it is extremely odorous. Why does it smell? Because the spray comes from the contents of the anal glands of the skunk. Yes, I know. Gross, but true!!
The scent of the skunk is unpleasant to the nose, but also irritate the eyes and mucus membranes. Many dogs will roll around on the ground to try and rid themselves of the skunk smell. The dog’s eyes might water and the dog may become nauseaus and vomit.
There are specially made products which you can buy that can de-skunk your dog, like Skunk Kleen or Skunk Off. Many people will take their dog to the vet who will bathe the dog continuously to minimize or eliminate the smell and also the eyes may be flushed with a sterile or saline solution. The vet should definitely be contacted if the dog continues to vomit.
This spraying by a skunk to your dog is by no means deadly. However, it will not be a pleasant task for you or your dog to have to deal with a skunk that has sprayed. If your dog goes out in the early evening or at night, when skunks are out, keep the dog on a leash so to minimize the chances of the dog running to investigate what may turn out to be an extremely stinky confrontation with a skunk!!!
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