Skunk Spray in Dogs

If your dog comes upon a skunk, his natural instincts will lead him to approach the animal. This is a very hazardous move that nearly always ends in malodorous consequences. Should your pet be sprayed with a skunk, you would be wise to contact your veterinarian, who can determine just how seriously the spray has affected your canine family member.

Skunk spray is a very volatile mixture. A canine who is sprayed by this normally docile animal can suffer the toxic effects for months. The strong, musky scent emitted by the skunk can cause great physical and emotional trauma for your pet.

Due to the intense odor, you will have no problem figuring out what is distressing your pet. Most cases of skunk spray seem to hit their mark, right in the face of their target. Besides the smell that will encompass your dog, you may see the symptoms below.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Drooling
• Squinting due to pain in the eyes
• Tearing in the eyes
• Rubbing of the face and eyes
• There may be temporary blindness

Types

The spray emitted by the skunk will have four types of possible effect on your furry family member.

• Ocular - the eyes usually feel the worst effects
• Oral - your pet may get sprayed in the mouth (for example if he is barking when the spray hits)
• Dermal - spray may touch the skin
• Respiratory - your dog will most likely breathe in fumes

It should be noted that documentation shows two cases of Heinz body formation (which causes severe anemia), in two dogs that were sprayed by skunks. One case stated the dog recovered after supportive care and therapy. The second dog (who had a history of being sprayed 5 times in the past), had a seizure and died 12 hours after a skunk spray.

In the warmer months, the chances of meeting up with a skunk increase. Their taste for berries, garbage, lawn insects and other attractive food sources bring them closer in proximity to our homes.

• The aim of a skunk when projecting his spray is remarkably accurate
• Skunks have 2 anal glands which can spray the odorous substance contained within up to 15 feet, or 5 meters away
• There are 7 components that make up the skunk’s odor
• The severity of the spray effects depends on the proximity to the skunk and whether the spray goes in the face
• Dogs who get sprayed while in the den of a skunk could suffer very intense effects

Bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately if he has been sprayed by a skunk and is showing intense discomfort. Not only will he be surrounded by a never ending odor, the sensations in his eyes, nose and mouth may be causing him to feel nauseous. Your pet may unintentionally cause secondary injuries due to scratching his eyes, or biting his skin.

It is also wise to have your dog checked by the veterinarian in case your pet was bitten by the skunk. Skunks are known to carry the rabies virus. The veterinarian will also verify if there has been damage to the cornea of the eye (which can cause temporary blindness).

If your beloved pet has had a large amount of spray enter his eyes, your veterinarian is the best person to perform an ocular wash. Her steady hand will assure a full rinse is accomplished. If the damage to the eyes is extensive, your veterinarian may suggest that your dog be monitored at the clinic for a couple of days because the eyes can rapidly deteriorate. A complete blood count and serum chemistry may be advised.

Your veterinary team will begin an intravenous treatment if it appears that there is a chance of serious consequences due to Heinz body formation. Blood transfusion has been given to animals in the past for this condition, but it must be noted that Heinz body formation from skunk spray is extremely rare.

If the main concern that you and your veterinarian have is the strong odor emanating from your pet, she can advise you on how to rid your pet of the smell. The clinic may have chemist created solutions on hand for purchase (the option most certain to give success), or you can try a combination of dilute peroxide, baking soda and a small amount of dish soap, being extremely careful not to get the solution in your pet’s eyes.

You may notice a skunk odor in your dog’s fur for months after the event. If you used a commercial product from the veterinary clinic, the smell will likely be less evident.

Other than the lingering smell, your pet could have residual effects from the skunk spray such as eye issues, or nausea from a terrible taste in his mouth. Allow him rest, and give him more than one bath. It may help reduce the toxic effects he is feeling from the constant strong odor.

Rid your yard of any debris that may make a nice skunk den. Close up openings under your porch and other areas where a skunk may take up residence. Because these creatures are nocturnal, they should be away from their den at night, allowing you to repair the openings. Do not leave food or garbage lying around as this may attract the skunk to your home.

If you feel that your pet is not recovering from his skunk encounter, take him back to the veterinarian for further examination.

Skunk spray can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.