Coexisting with Skunks. Coexisting with Skunks
By: Stacy Whalen
Tags: Dog Care, Natralremedies Plr, Wildlife, Dogs

Those of you who have had the unfortunate acquaintance with a skunk can relate to the panic of what to do now right after the terrified creature runs off leaving you standing there in shock. Or you can stand there in shock disbelieving what you’re looking at when your dog runs to the door with his latest “gift” for you.

Our daughter and son-in-law are becoming the experts at handling these predicaments without having a total meltdown. Usually these things happen at the most inconvenient times, as if its ever convenient, but skunks are usually out and about around dusk or dawn. That time of day when we’re either on our way out the door or tired at the end of a busy day and just can’t handle another crisis.

The last thing you want is to have that horrendous smell permeate throughout your home.

Should you get sprayed outside, don’t make the mistake of going into the house before stripping down your clothes.

Skunk spray is naturally oily and it’ll get onto anything you touch and is hard to remove, so don’t touch furniture or anyone else. Also, don’t touch your face, you don’t want the stuff near your eyes.

Leave your clothes outside for now and take a shower with the hottest water you can stand.

To clean your clothes:

Wash all items twice using hot water and a good detergent.

Don’t put the clothes in the dryer! Hang outside to dry.

To clean your house:

Open the windows and turn on a fan. Fresh air is the most effective remedy to air out the house.

Hang the smaller rugs that you can handle outside.

Once the deed is done be sure to change the air filters in your home.

Now for the best tips of all, Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Place vinegar is small bowls around the house and it will absorb the odors. Give them a day or two before removing the vinegar.

To remove odor from your carpets, sprinkle baking soda over your rugs and carpets and let sit for a few hours before vacuuming.

You can use bleach to neutralize the smell from any wood or concrete items in your home. Just keep in mind bleach may discolor whatever it is you’re cleaning:

1 cup Bleach

1 gallon Water

Put on rubber gloves and use an old rag to dip in the solution.

Be sure to use this mixture in a well ventilated area. Do not mix ammonia with bleach.

To clean your dog:

Tomato juice will work and so does a product called Skunk Off.

But this homemade recipe is a keeper and most likely you’ll already have the ingredients on hand:

Mix together in a large bucket:

1 quart Hydrogen Peroxide

1/2 cup Baking Soda

1 tsp. liquid laundry soap or dish washing detergent

The first two ingredients form an alkaline peroxide that chemically changes the skunk spray into an odorless chemical. The soap breaks down the oily skunk essence. This formula is harmless to humans and pets. It is normal that it will bubble and foam. Use immediately after mixing. Don’t store it in a closed container as it will expand and burst the container.

Wearing latex or rubber gloves, bathe your dog outside if possible.

Take the time to work the mixture down through the fur, but keep out of the dog’s face and eyes.

Let it sit on the fur for ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly with fresh water.

Be sure your dog is up to date on his/her rabies vaccine. See your vet if there is any sign of injury.

Now why do skunks spray in the first place?

Most mammals have anal scent glands or sacs. When stressed, fearful or trying to ward off predators, these scent glands give off pungent aromas as a form of defense.

Skunks have two glands inside the anus. Each gland contains small amounts of an oily, yellow liquid that is secreted through a nipple-like protrusion just outside the anus. The odor is because this secretion contains sulphur compounds such as thiols and their acetate derivatives.

Skunks really are docile, non-aggressive misunderstood animals. What gets them into trouble is that being they are very near-sighted, they spook easily and the only defense they have is their spray, Their limited vision is why they become such easy prey to dogs.

Here is a great, informative article on coexisting with skunks.