If you’re a dog owner, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the dreaded "skunk encounter" — and you may have even experienced it firsthand. Recently, a few well-known media personalities in Ottawa found themselves dealing with the unpleasant aftermath of a skunk encounter. Bill Carroll, host of 580 CFRA’s morning show, and CTV Ottawa’s Graham Richardson both had their dogs sprayed by skunks in the past week, and the results were just as stinky as you'd expect!
Bill’s white German Shepherd, Sammy, was hit by a skunk in the face, leaving the entire house smelling like an oil fire. "The whole room smells like skunk. Every time that shower is on, you can still smell it," said Carroll. Similarly, Graham Richardson's retriever Zoe experienced her second skunk attack. "The smell starts like a sweet tar-like aroma, but then quickly turns to an assault on your senses," noted Richardson.
The good news? You don’t have to face the skunk smell alone. Let’s break down what’s in skunk spray, why it’s so potent, and how to neutralize the odor once it’s on your dog (and in your house!).
What’s in Skunk Spray?
Skunk spray is more than just a foul odor — it’s an oily secretion made up of thiols and thioacetates. These compounds are responsible for that unmistakable, pungent smell that seems to permeate everything in its path, including your dog’s fur.
Thiols are highly volatile and cling to skin proteins, making the smell stick around for days (or longer).
Thioacetates don’t smell as strong at first, but when mixed with water, they turn into thiols, making the odor even more intense.
Despite what you might have heard, tomato juice isn’t effective at neutralizing the smell. It’s just messy and doesn’t break down the oils properly.
Why Do Skunks Spray?
Skunks are generally peaceful creatures, but when they feel threatened, they unleash their foul spray as a defense mechanism. Most skunks will warn intruders by hissing, stamping their feet, or arching their tails. However, if the threat persists, they’ll spray, often aiming for the face of the offending animal or person. Skunks can spray up to 15 feet, making them a serious challenge for dogs that get too close.
Skunks are also nocturnal, typically more active around dawn and dusk. They like to burrow in places like sheds, under decks, and in overgrown areas, so if you live near skunk habitats, take precautions.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Skunk Encounter for Your Dog
While you can’t always prevent a skunk encounter, you can reduce the chances of one:
Avoid skunk activity hours — Try not to walk your dog during dawn and dusk when skunks are most active.
Keep your yard well-lit — Skunks dislike bright lights and noise, so lighting up your yard can help deter them.
Seal entry points — Skunks love to burrow under decks, sheds, and even into the foundations of homes. Keeping these areas sealed off can help protect your pets.
If you do encounter a skunk, keep your dog on a leash and maintain a safe distance!
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Sprayed
Despite your best efforts, your dog might still get sprayed. In fact, it’s common for dogs to be sprayed around the head, though it can happen anywhere. The smell is not only overwhelming but can cause nausea, vomiting, and eye irritation. If your dog ingests the spray or if it gets in their eyes, seek immediate veterinary care.
De-Skunking Your Dog: Tips & Tricks
Once your dog has been sprayed, quick action is essential. While there’s no magic cure, there are effective methods to neutralize the odor:
Commercial Products: Products like “Skunk Off” can temporarily mask the smell.
DIY Skunk Odor Neutralizer: A mix of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap is often the best solution. This combination breaks down the oils in the spray and neutralizes the thiols, eliminating most of the odor.
Homemade Recipe:
3–4 parts hydrogen peroxide
1 part baking soda
1 teaspoon dish detergent
Apply the mixture immediately after the spray, making sure to avoid the eyes and mouth. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Other Tips:
Vinegar and water: A mix of vinegar and water can help neutralize the odor when applied to your dog’s fur.
Boiling vinegar: To tackle skunk odors in your home, try boiling straight vinegar on the stove. This can help neutralize the smell in the air after your dog has been sprayed.
The Aftermath: Can You Prevent Future Skunk Encounters?
Even with the best treatments, your dog might still carry that lingering "eau de skunk" after a bath. The odor tends to reappear when your dog gets wet again, but using a commercial deodorizer can help reduce this issue. Also, consider using preventative measures like keeping your yard well-lit and secured to avoid future skunk encounters.
As for why Zoe got so close to the skunk in the first place? Not so smart, according to Graham Richardson. It’s likely Zoe just wanted to play — which is a reminder that skunks might seem like interesting creatures to your pet, but getting too close to them can have smelly consequences!
What Else You Should Know
While the smell is bad, skunks also pose a health risk. They are known carriers of rabies in both the U.S. and Canada, so protecting your pets from exposure to skunks isn’t just about avoiding the smell; it’s also about keeping your dog safe from disease.
Final Thoughts: The Best Skunk-Smell Solution
The most effective way to handle a skunked dog is with a commercial odor neutralizer recommended by your vet. These products are designed to neutralize skunk odor without causing harm to your dog or your furniture.
However, the best course of action is prevention: avoid skunk hotspots, secure your property, and keep your dog on a leash during high-risk times. By staying vigilant, you can keep your furry friends safe and scent-free!
Reference: Skunk Spray and Your Dog- By Krista Williams, BSc, DVM, CCRP; Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH
Skunked! How to protect your pets from getting sprayed this fall in Ottawa-By CTVNewsOttawa.ca Staff
Published: October 17, 2019 at 1:10PM EDT