Oops! Your beloved furry friend got sprayed by a skunk? Don't worry; we've got you covered! While skunk spray can be potent and overwhelming, you can effectively remove the stench and clean your pet with a few simple steps using common household items like Dawn dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and baby soap for the face. Read on to learn how to handle this smelly situation and get your pet smelling fresh again!
Step 1: Stay Calm and Keep Your Pet Calm
First and foremost, it's essential to remain calm and keep your pet calm as well. Getting sprayed by a skunk can be distressing for your pet, so it's crucial to handle the situation with patience and care. Avoid yelling or scolding your pet, as it may agitate them further.
Step 2: Move Your Pet to a Well-Ventilated Area
The skunk spray can be pungent and overpowering, so it's crucial to move your pet to a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. This will help minimize the smell and prevent the skunk odour from lingering in your home.
Step 3: Put on Protective Gloves and Clothes
Before you begin the cleaning process, make sure to put on protective gloves and clothes. Skunk spray contains sulfur compounds that can cause skin irritation, so it's essential to protect yourself while handling the affected pet.
Step 4: Check for Any Eye or Mouth Irritation
Skunk spray can irritate your pet's eyes and mouth, so it's crucial to check for any signs of discomfort. If your pet's eyes or mouth appear red, watery, or irritated, rinse them gently with water and seek veterinary care if necessary.
Step 5: Prepare the Skunk Odour Removal Solution
Now it's time to prepare the skunk odour removal solution. Mix together the following ingredients in a large bowl:
1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup of baking soda
1 teaspoon of Dawn dish soap
Be sure to mix the solution gently as it can fizz and bubble.
Step 6: Apply the Skunk Odour Removal Solution
Using a sponge or a cloth, apply the skunk odor removal solution generously to your pet's coat. Make sure to avoid getting the solution in your pet's eyes, mouth, or ears. Pay extra attention to the areas that were directly sprayed by the skunk.
Step 7: Massage and Lather the Solution
Gently massage and lather the solution into your pet's fur, making sure to cover all the affected areas. The Dawn dish soap will help break down the skunk oils, while the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will neutralize the odour.
Step 8: Let the Solution Sit for 5-10 Minutes
Allow the skunk odour removal solution to sit on your pet's coat for 5-10 minutes. Avoid leaving the solution on for too long, as it may lighten your pet's fur. Keep an eye on your pet during this time to ensure they don't lick or ingest the solution.
Step 9: Rinse Thoroughly with Warm Water
After the solution has had time to work, thoroughly rinse your pet's coat with warm water. Make sure to rinse all the areas where you applied the solution, ensuring that there is no residue left on your pet's fur.
Step 10: Dry Your Pet Thoroughly
Once your pet is rinsed, use a clean towel to pat them dry. If it's warm outside, you can let your pet air dry, but make sure they stay warm and comfortable throughout the drying process. Avoid using a hairdryer, as the heat may cause your pet's skin to become irritated.
Step 11: Use Baby Soap for Your Pet's Face
Skunk spray can be particularly irritating to your pet's face, so it's best to use a mild baby soap specifically designed for sensitive skin to clean your pet's face. Wet a cloth or sponge with warm water and gently lather the baby soap on your pet's face, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and ears. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a towel.
Step 12: Check for Lingering Odour
After drying your pet, give them a good sniff to check for any lingering skunk odour. If you still detect a faint smell, you can repeat the skunk odour removal process by reapplying the solution to the affected areas and rinsing thoroughly.
Step 13: Wash Your Clothes and Tools
Skunk spray is notorious for its lingering odour, so be sure to wash your clothes, gloves, and any tools used in the cleaning process thoroughly. Use hot water and a strong-scented detergent to help eliminate the smell from your belongings.
Step 14: Prevent Future Encounters with Skunks
Skunk encounters can be avoided by taking some precautions. Keep your pet on a leash when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when skunks are most active. Remove any potential food sources, such as garbage or pet food, from your yard. You can also install motion-activated lights or sprinklers in your yard to deter skunks from entering.
Step 15: Monitor Your Pet's Health
Skunk spray can cause discomfort to your pet's eyes, mouth, and skin. Keep a close eye on your pet for any signs of irritation, redness, or inflammation. If you notice any unusual symptoms, consult your veterinarian for proper medical care.
Encountering a skunk and getting sprayed can be an unpleasant experience for both you and your pet. However, with the right steps and ingredients, you can effectively remove the skunk odour and clean your pet. Remember to stay calm, move your pet to a well-ventilated area, use protective gloves and clothes, prepare the skunk odour removal solution with hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and Dawn dish soap, apply and lather the solution on your pet's coat, rinse thoroughly with warm water, use baby soap for your pet's face, check for lingering odour, wash your clothes and tools, take precautions to prevent future encounters, and monitor your pet's health. With some patience and care, your pet will be smelling fresh and clean in no time!
If you're dealing with skunk encounters on your property, in Hamilton you're not alone. We understand that dogs getting sprayed by skunks is a common occurrence in our area due to the abundance of skunks. As a wildlife control service, we know firsthand the challenges of dealing with skunk odours and helping pet owners clean their furry friends. However, encountering a skunk on your property could also indicate that there is a skunk den nearby. If you suspect skunks have taken up residence on your property, we're here to help. At Integrity Wildlife Control, we offer guaranteed removal of skunks and other wildlife, along with a lifetime warranty against re-entry. Our team of experts can safely and effectively remove skunks from your property, ensuring the well-being of your pets and your home.