Skunk Advice

[EddieWalker]

We have four dogs with over an acre of fenced in yard for them to run around in. The fence is 2x4 and we thought it was small enough to keep out most critters. We have had a few racoons climb over it over the years. Last night, just before dark, we had a skunk inside the fence. I'm not sure if it came in through the corners of the gate where there is a little bit more space, or if it climbed over the fence. I'll fix the gate area just to be sure.

Nothing happened, the skunk was there, we got the dogs into the house and locked up, and then by the time I got back outside, it was gone.

Now we are wondering what we would do if one or all of them had been sprayed? I've read comments on what people have done to deal with the smell, and I also remember reading a lot of what didn't work, but I don't remember any details.

What works that we could buy and have on hand in case it ever happens?

 

[Thomas]

Some pet stores offer skunk soap/shampoo it's okay but the old tomato soup bath still works.

 

[Mace Canute]

From https://wildlife.unl.edu/pdfs/removing-skunk-odor.pdf

Chemist Paul Krebaum discovered a solution that changes the odorous thiols into odorless acids, thereby chemically neutralizing the skunk odor.

The formula is:
1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (fresh bottle),
1/4 cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and
1-2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap.

Ingredients must be mixed in an open container and used immediately. Never mix the ingredients in advance because oxygen released from the solution may cause a closed container to explode. The solution can be used on people or pets; avoid splashing the product in the eyes or mouth. Allow the solution to remain in hair for five minutes before rinsing with water. Repeat as needed. Avoid using this solution directly on clothing as it may discolor the fabric. Add the mixture to the wash during the wash cycle to dilute it.

 

[Ford850]

Mace posted the best formula. As to how it got past the fence... an average skunk can get through a 2x4 fence. Their skull and bodies are much smaller than they look with the fluffed fur.

 

[RNeumann]

From https://wildlife.unl.edu/pdfs/removing-skunk-odor.pdf

We’ve tried them all and found this to work best. Our Dogs have been hit nearly a dozen times. Part of country living for us!

 

[Garandman]

We致e tried them all and found this to work best. Our Dogs have been hit nearly a dozen times. Part of country living for us!

City skunks are numerous and have beautiful coats. We learned a group of skunks is called a Surfeit and a baby is a kit.

Our knucklehead Lab got sprayed 3-4 times last summer. We always keep hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in stock now.

 

[RSKY]

I never tried to reuse a trap. Shot them in the trap and dumped trap and carcass on the old farm.

When the one sprayed under the house I had to go back in to get my keys and wallet. I held my breath and had my nose pinched shut but I could TASTE the smell before I got out. I cannot imagine being sprayed by one.

RSKY

 

[oosik]

Well - whether you like or hate skunks we best remember like bats, raccoons & dogs - skunks can carry and transmit rabies.

 

[dodge man]

Throw a bag of opened dog food over the fence and let him live off that until the smell goes away. Its more humane the burying the dog.

 

[groundcover]

I read somewhere ( probably TBN) that a head shot can spread rabies through the air.

 

[mapper]

Mace posted the best formula. As to how it got past the fence... an average skunk can get through a 2x4 fence. Their skull and bodies are much smaller than they look with the fluffed fur.

Our ten pound cat has been sliding through our 2x4 garden fence for years. Appears effortless.

 

[MossRoad]

I read somewhere ( probably TBN) that a head shot can spread rabies through the air.

Rabies can only be transmitted with direct contact of blood or saliva from the infected animal to your blood or saliva or eyes, etc... the virus itself dies in air. So, yes, I suppose if you shot a rabid animal and its blood splattered back into your open mouth, open eye, or open cut, you could get rabies. But the virus itself won't transfer through the air. It has to remain in blood or saliva droplets. At least, that's the way I understand it.

 

[gsganzer]

Eddie,
My dog's been sprayed 5 times in the past year. He's an idiot. He could get sprayed 5 more times and still not know any better. We have it down to a science. Bucket warm water, add 1 pint to a quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 to 1 cup baking soda and 1- 2 teaspoons of Dawn. The only reason I give a range for the ingredients is because sometimes it depends how bad the dog got blasted by the skunk and how hard your water is. this concoction works like magic for both the dog and the person washing the dog. Skip the recommendations that include tomato juice or feminine products, this recipe works hands down.

 

[check]

Some pet stores offer skunk soap/shampoo it's okay but the old tomato soup bath still works.

The Tomato Juice bath does not work. It's a myth!