My dog Mattie has been sprayed by a skunk 3 times in her life, twice in June, and surprisingly once in February. It has always happened at night. If you are as unfortunate as I have been and your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, here are some helpful tips:

1. Once you realize what has happened, try to keep your dog outside until after bathing. Otherwise, your dog will try to rub it’s skunky face all over your couch!

2. Flush the pet’s eyes with water if they are irritated.

3. In a bucket, wear rubber gloves, and mix 1 quart hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 to 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 tsp liquid dish soap. Apply mixture to affected areas on the dog. Rinse well.

4. Follow with dog shampoo. To avoid contact with skunks in the first place, turn floodlights on and scan the yard before letting your dog out at dusk or dawn to go potty.

By Dr. Sullivan (from our sister facility Weare Animal Hospital)