DVA 326 Bridge Street * Dedham, MA 02026 * 781.326.2800

SKUNK ODOR

This dog was recently sprayed

by a skunk.

The natural defense of the skunk, Mephitis mephitis, is a defensive secretion composed of seven major volatile components called thiols. These compounds are not only incredibly odiferous, but can also strongly bond with the protein in your dog or cat’s hair coat. In order to get rid of the odor in skunk spray, the bonds must be hydrolyzed.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PET AFTER BEING “SKUNKED”

· Do not let your pet indoors until her or she has been bathed; carry him or her from the outdoors directly to your bathtub or shower. If it is above 70 degrees outdoors, use an outdoor hose. The thiols from the skunk spray can get on your floors if a recently sprayed dog or cat walks across them.

· If your pet has been sprayed in the eyes, this can be very irritating. Wash eyes out with plenty of fresh water. If the eyes remain red for more than 4-6 hours, contact our office.

· De-odorizing cocktail:

o 1 quart of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide;

o ½ cup of baking soda

o 1 tablespoon of liquid dish or laundry detergent.

o Mix these three items in an open container, bathe your pet with this solution being careful to avoid the eyes. Allow this to remain on the haircoat for at least 10 minutes.

o Rinse well and repeat up to two more times!

o Tomato juice does not work!

For household surfaces:

o A dilute solution of bleach and water will help hydrolyze the thiol bond. Use care that you do not bleach your floors or furniture. If you allow a recently “skunked” animal to walk on your floor, this type of cleaning regimen may be indicated.

o Wash clothing in hot water with a strong detergent.

Your pet will smell like skunk odor for a long time. You will notice this especially after he gets wet, as the water will continue to hydrolyze small amounts of thiol for a long time. If your pet has long hair and can tolerate it, having a professional groomer clip all of the hair off of your dog may expedite the process of eliminating the unpleasant skunk odor from your surroundings whenever your pet is near.

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