A Skunk Sprayed My Dog, What Do I Do First?
http://www.animalsaspets.net/articles/5017/1/A-Skunk-Sprayed-My-Dog-What-Do-I-Do-First/Page1.html
Ellen Knight
For more information about what to do when your pet is sprayed by a skunk or how to keep skunks away in the first place, visit Skunk Smell Removal. By Ellen Knight
Published on 03/1/2010
You are sitting in your home relaxing at the end of a long day Suddenly, it hits you like a ton of bricks
You are sitting in your home relaxing at the end of a long day. Suddenly, it hits you like a ton of bricks. The realization that something horrible has happened and you are thinking, "a skunk sprayed my dog". The horrible smell makes it very clear that you need to act quickly. Your mind is racing and you start to wonder what you should do. There are some things that you should do immediately after you realize that a skunk has sprayed your dog.
The first thing that you need to do is make a quick check of your dog. Has he or she been bitten or scratched by the skunk? If so, contact your vet. Although not every skunk is a rabies carrier, they are believed to be the second most rabid wild animal in the United States. Follow your veterinarian's advice.
While you are checking your dog for injuries, you also need to determine where your dog was sprayed. If your pet has been sprayed in the face or mouth, this could cause problems. Contact your veterinarian and let him know where your dog has been sprayed. Although generally a dog that has been sprayed by a skunk will be fine, there are some circumstances that could cause health issues and even death.
Once you make these quick checks, you will want to deal with the horrible smell. To effectively deal with the skunk odor, you need to get your dog under control. Secure him or her in a cage or on a leash until you have prepared for the skunk smell removal process. This will contain the smell and allow you to prepare yourself in a calm manner.
Do not allow your skunk sprayed dog to enter the house. Dogs will try to rub the smell off. They will rub your furniture or any other item they can find. The smell will stick and be difficult to remove from your home. It is best to secure your dog outside or in a garage. This way, you keep the smell from entering your home.
If there is no other option but to bring the dog into your home. Bring him or her directly into a bathroom. Prior to bringing him in, have someone go into the bathroom and remove all towels and rugs. You want to get rid of anything that will absorb the smell. Have the same person provide you with old towels which can be discarded after use.
Find someone to help you deal with the odor removal process. An extra set of hands always comes in handy.
While your dog is safe and secure, prepare yourself. Gather all of the supplies you need. It is always best to get more supplies together than you think you will need. This way, if you do need the extra towels, smell removal formula or any other item, you will not have to figure out how to get a hold of the extra supplies while managing your dog.
These are the first steps to take when you find yourself asking, "a skunk sprayed my dog, what do I do?".
The first thing that you need to do is make a quick check of your dog. Has he or she been bitten or scratched by the skunk? If so, contact your vet. Although not every skunk is a rabies carrier, they are believed to be the second most rabid wild animal in the United States. Follow your veterinarian's advice.
While you are checking your dog for injuries, you also need to determine where your dog was sprayed. If your pet has been sprayed in the face or mouth, this could cause problems. Contact your veterinarian and let him know where your dog has been sprayed. Although generally a dog that has been sprayed by a skunk will be fine, there are some circumstances that could cause health issues and even death.
Once you make these quick checks, you will want to deal with the horrible smell. To effectively deal with the skunk odor, you need to get your dog under control. Secure him or her in a cage or on a leash until you have prepared for the skunk smell removal process. This will contain the smell and allow you to prepare yourself in a calm manner.
Do not allow your skunk sprayed dog to enter the house. Dogs will try to rub the smell off. They will rub your furniture or any other item they can find. The smell will stick and be difficult to remove from your home. It is best to secure your dog outside or in a garage. This way, you keep the smell from entering your home.
If there is no other option but to bring the dog into your home. Bring him or her directly into a bathroom. Prior to bringing him in, have someone go into the bathroom and remove all towels and rugs. You want to get rid of anything that will absorb the smell. Have the same person provide you with old towels which can be discarded after use.
Find someone to help you deal with the odor removal process. An extra set of hands always comes in handy.
While your dog is safe and secure, prepare yourself. Gather all of the supplies you need. It is always best to get more supplies together than you think you will need. This way, if you do need the extra towels, smell removal formula or any other item, you will not have to figure out how to get a hold of the extra supplies while managing your dog.
These are the first steps to take when you find yourself asking, "a skunk sprayed my dog, what do I do?".