Spring is just around the corner, do you know what that means?
Muddy paws, wet puddles to jump into, and the perfect time to book a dog grooming appointment with us at Groomit!
As the snow melts, critters will begin to emerge from their winter dens. Your puppy will enjoy seeing familiar animals like squirrels and rabbits.
But a not-so-friendly face?
skunk.
If you notice a black and white hairball waddles nearby, be sure to follow these tips and tricks so you don’t get sprayed.if unfortunate event Do Happens to your dog…
do not panic! Groomit Mobile Grooming can meet your needs.
Ways to prevent dogs from being sprayed by skunks
Pooh. What kind of unpleasant smell is this?
Many times, dog walkers smell a skunk long before they see it. Skunks have a very recognizable smell. It is a mixture of rotten eggs and sulfur. Some people describe the smell as burnt rubber.
Very unpleasant indeed.
The good news is that getting sprayed by a skunk is 90% avoidable. Like most wild animals, skunks don’t want to interact with humans and dogs. After all, your dog looks like a predator to a skunk. A loud “beep” was enough to send a curious skunk running back into the woods.
That being said, here are 4 practical ways to avoid getting sprayed.
- Don’t accidentally catch a skunk
Skunks are gentle animals. They don’t attack unprovoked. Their small claws and smaller teeth mean skunks have limited options when it comes to defense mechanisms.
So, they are creative! When a skunk is startled or frightened, it may hiss. Or stomp. However, if a dog doesn’t “take the cue” and keep approaching – watch out! A yellowish oil secretes from the underside of the tail, which can make your dog’s coat stink for days.
- keep your dog on a leash
Second, to prevent spraying, keep your dog on a leash, especially in forested areas. This is where skunks eat, sleep and live. Free-roaming dogs often accidentally stumble upon a skunk out for a walk. If your dog doesn’t have perfect memories or isn’t fast enough, they can be sprayed in seconds.
- Be careful walking at night
For those who live in cities, be careful when walking after dark. Like raccoons, skunks are most active at sunset. They’ll rummage around litter boxes and recycling bins for food scraps. Always keep your dog close and pay attention to his surroundings.
- call animal control for help
Finally, whenever you find a skunk problem, call a professional. Does your dog keep pawing on the fence? Trying to get under the deck? Smell the deep hole in the backyard? These all indicate that you may have an unwelcome stinky visitor!
If a skunk has just passed by, let it pass. Give enough space. However, if you spot an adult hanging out nearby for more than a day (or see a baby skunk), call the Humane Animal Control officer to relocate the home.
Doing these 4 things will stop your puppy from getting squirted and make sure all your dog grooming appointments are for routine reasons like keeping them clean and pretty!
Oh oh! It happened anyway. How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell from Dogs?
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents happen. The good news is that Groomit offers home and mobile pet grooming services.
You can expect:
- Instant booking
- Seamless in-app payment process
- The Best Organic and Non-Toxic Supplies
- stress free environment
However, if your dog has been sprayed by a skunk and you want to deal with the problem right away (or camping/travelling out of town for example), then you’re going to need a quick deodorant remedy!
Please do the following:
First, wash your dog’s eyes with clean water. Red indicates stimulation. Second, wear gloves. This will protect your hands from skunk oil.
Third, clean and rinse your dog. PetMD recommends different solutions or shampoos, depending on what you put around the house. Some dog owners swear by tomato juice. Others suggest using a deodorant baking soda mix. Take a look at your cupboards and research what is safest for your dog. When in doubt, call your veterinarian for guidance.
Fourth, pat dry. The towels you use may leave a lingering smell and must be thrown away. Pick one you don’t mind losing.
Fifth, pay attention to whether your dog has an allergic reaction. Skunk spray can sometimes cause vomiting, so be careful.
final thoughts
Most importantly, act quickly. If left unwashed, the smell of skunk spray can linger for up to three weeks. Ok.
Follow these top tips from Groomit and save your dog — and yourself — from an unpleasant experience. Remember, our beauticians are just one click away!
