An Effective Guide to De-Skunking Your Pet

Skunk season is officially upon us! While they are active all year, these mammals typically prefer to make their appearance known throughout the summer months. During this time, skunks will burrow in spaces such as under porches, sheds, woodpiles, rocks or debris, and in open garbage and compost containers. Skunks are solitary creatures and if they feel threatened, they will spray a liquid from two glands under its tail as a defensive weapon. Unfortunately, because skunks are more inclined to set up home in places around the yard, your well-meaning but curious pet, may be on the receiving end of their strong and unpleasant spray.

Fortunately, there are several effective methods to ward off skunks and protect your pets. For instance, keep all garbage bins closed and make sure your pet is on a leash during walks, especially at dawn and dusk when skunks are out and about foraging for food. If you find a skunk den on your property, you may need to contact an exterminator in Vancouver. We have the right tools to assess your pest problem and provide non-toxic treatments to rid your outdoor space of these animals for good.

How to Eliminate Skunk Spray Odours from Your Pet

While you do your best to remain vigilant, a startled skunk will spray anything that intimidates it, including your beloved pets. Luckily, removing the foul odour from your pet only requires a few simple steps you can perform yourself.

Here is what you should do if your pet is sprayed by a skunk:

● Contain the Situation – The first step is to remain calm and keep your pet outside. If you immediately rush your pet inside, they are likely to transfer the odour onto your walls, carpet, and furniture. Once they are completely covered under a large towel, you can bring them inside and situate them directly in your laundry sink or bathtub.

● Examine the Eyes – If you notice your pet is blinking really fast, pawing at their eyes, or they are experiencing redness and tearing, you should immediately flush their eyes with clean water or a sterile saline eye solution. Follow up with a veterinary examination if the condition does not improve quickly. At this stage, you can also wipe their nose and mouth with a saline wash.

● Use Paper Towel – Before you start the shampoo process, put on rubber or latex gloves and blot your pet with paper towels. Concentrate your efforts only on the spot where your pet was sprayed, to avoid transferring the smell to other areas.

● Homemade Remedies – Common household items can be mixed together to create a solution that is effective against the smell of skunk spray. Combine 1 quarter cup of baking soda, with 1 tsp of liquid soap and 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide or apple cider vinegar. Do not prepare this treatment in advance or store it in a closed container, as it is dangerous to keep it that way. Soak your dog in this mixture and allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes. If your pet has longer or thicker fur, leave it on for several more minutes. Finally, rinse off the solution with warm water, and wash your pet with their regular shampoo.

● Dry your Pet – The smell is likely to get worse before it gets better, since the odour is intensified when wet. Thoroughly dry off your pet with a clean towel and set your hairdryer on the coolest setting. Your pet has been through quite an ordeal. After bath time, allow them to rest and relax in a quiet spot.

Contact Pest Control in Vancouver for the Most Effective Skunk Solutions

If your pet has never been sprayed by a skunk, consider yourself lucky. Every year, hundreds of pets become the unwilling targets of skunk spray. Through effective and affordable services, Pest Detective can help eliminate skunks that have made a home for themselves on your property and keep your pets odour-free.

Hire an exterminator in Vancouver today by calling Pest Detective at a location near you. You can also contact our team of professionals online to ask any questions you might have about backyard pest control in Vancouver.