How to Remove Skunk Smell from Your Pet

Posted on October 9, 2023 by modernwild

It’s a pet owner’s nightmare – your beloved dog, cat, or other furry friend has had a run-in with a skunk resulting in an unbearable odor. That unmistakable skunk smell can permeate your entire home, becoming an unwelcome reminder of your pet’s unfortunate encounter. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this battle against the pungent skunk odor.

In this blog post, we will guide you through a step-by-step process on effective skunk spray removal, helping you restore your pet’s freshness and your peace of mind. Let’s dive into the world of de-skunking and turn this nightmare into a manageable and transient incident.

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Understanding Skunk Smell

Before diving into the removal process, it’s essential to understand what causes that pungent smell. A skunk’s scent is produced by an oily liquid called mercaptan, which is found in their anal glands. When threatened, a skunk can spray this liquid as a defense mechanism, creating that distinct and potent odor. The smell can linger for days if not properly addressed, making it crucial to act quickly.

Step 1: Containment

The first step in removing skunk smell from your pet is containment. Now that your furry friend has returned home with the dreaded scent, it’s essential to isolate them in an area where they cannot spread the odor further. This could be a bathroom or a crate, for example.

Step 2: Prepare the De-Skunking Solution

After containing your pet, it’s time to prepare the de-skunking solution. A homemade remedy that has proven to be effective is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Mix one quart of hydrogen peroxide with ¼ cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of dish soap in a bucket. The solution should be used immediately as it will lose its effectiveness over time.

Step 3: Wet Your Pet

Using a hose or bucket, dampen your pet’s fur with water before applying the de-skunking solution. Avoid getting water in your pet’s eyes, nose, and ears.

Step 4: Apply the Solution

Once your pet is wet, apply the de-skunking solution to their fur. Make sure to work it into their coat thoroughly, avoiding contact with sensitive areas like eyes and mouth.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

After allowing the solution to sit for a few minutes, rinse your pet’s fur thoroughly with water. It’s essential to get rid of all the solution, as any residue can irritate their skin and cause further discomfort.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

In some cases, one round of de-skunking may not be enough. If your pet still has a lingering smell after the first attempt, repeat the process until the odor is gone.

Additional Tips for Skunk Smell Removal

▷ When handling the de-skunking solution, make sure to wear gloves to avoid contact with your skin.

▷ If your pet’s eyes were exposed to the skunk spray, rinse them gently with water. If irritation persists, seek veterinary help.

▷ Avoid using tomato juice as a de-skunking remedy. Despite its popularity, it is not very effective in removing the odor.

▷ To prevent future skunk encounters, keep your pet on a leash and avoid letting them out at night when skunks are most active.

Skunk Control Tips

If your area has a high skunk population, it’s essential to take preventative measures to avoid future skunk encounters. Here are some tips for skunk control:

▷ Seal any openings or holes around your home that could serve as potential den sites for skunks.

▷ Keep trash cans tightly sealed and remove food sources like bird feeders from your yard.

▷ Consider using a skunk repellent to deter them from entering your property.

▷ Hire a professional wildlife removal and control company for effective skunk control assistance.

If you are having recurring issues with skunks, it’s best to contact an Indianapolis wildlife control company for professional help.

Conclusion

Removing skunk smell from your pet may seem like an overwhelming task, but with the right approach, it can be done effectively. By following these steps and tips, you can quickly and safely get rid of the unpleasant odor, restoring your pet’s freshness and eliminating any reminders of their unfortunate encounter with a skunk.

Are you dealing with frequent skunk visitations nightly? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective skunk removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our wildlife removal services are humane, effective, and available for both residential and commercial clients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skunk Smell

Posted on May 27, 2022 by modernwild

Many people are curious about skunk smell. Although beautifully-adorned with glowing white stripes atop a luscious black coat of shiny fur, these common land critters tend are pretty, but also pretty stinky! Below you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions about skunk smell and skunk spraying, including how to protect your property against nuisance skunks.

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Skunk Smell FAQS

Why Do Skunks Spray?

Skunks spray to defend themselves. It’s that simple. If someone or something gets too close and threatens their safety or comfort, they will stomp their feet, puff up, and lift their tails in warning. They will follow this demonstration by spraying if the threat is persistent. Curious dogs are the most common victim of skunk spraying because they do not easily give up after just a sniff or two.

How Does a Skunk Spray?

Skunks have two anal scent glands that hold the substance that generates their spray. Skunks use their anus muscles to eject the spray out of two nipple-like ejectors on both sides of their anus, below their tail. These ejectors can spray a target up to 10 feet away! But after a full discharge, it can take over a week for a skunk to regenerate their spray reserves.

Will Skunk Spray Harm Me? Will it Harm My Pet?

Skunk spray is not necessarily dangerous, and it is certainly not toxic or disease-ridden, but it is very unpleasant smelling and overwhelming. Without the right cleaning approach, it can linger on clothing, skin, and fur for weeks. Skunk spray is a chemical-based liquid that contains organic compounds known as thiols. These compounds contain sulfur, which is responsible for that tell-tale skunky smell. The most common side effects of the smell are nausea, headache, and agitation. So long as you do not approach a skunk in the wild, you should not have anything to worry about.

The only issue you have to worry about in terms of skunks and outdoor pets is how to remove skunk smell if they are ever sprayed.

How Do I Remove Skunk Smell on My Dog or Cat?

To remove skunk smell on a dog or cat, combine 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide with a ¼ cup of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap. Be sure to wear gloves when using this solution! Simply apply it as you would shampoo and use it to clean skunk smell from your pet’s fur, as well as your clothes, skin, and hair. Repeat the cleansing process multiple times until the odor is eliminated. Finish by using your pet’s regular shampoo product.

How Do I Prevent Skunk Spraying Encounters?

You can significantly reduce the likelihood of a skunk encounter if you protect your property against wildlife intrusions. Skunk trapping and removal should be carried out by a licensed and insured Indianapolis critter control company. They have the resources, training, and permits to safely remove skunks and implement proven animal-proofing strategies to get rid of skunks and keep them away for good. If you live near wooded or forested areas, or near a large body of water, you need a solid animal-proofing plan in place whether you see skunks around or not.

Are you noticing an increase in skunk activity around your property? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured skunk removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Do This if You See a Wild Skunk

Posted on April 19, 2021 by modernwild

Skunks are native to 50 states, which means they are likely roaming close to your community as well, or wherever you will be traveling. Because skunk populations are so healthy, it is common to encounter one on a walk through the woods, down the bank of the river, or around the pond. You may even encounter a skunk on your very own property, as they are a common nuisance animal in suburban areas too. If you live near wooded or forested areas, or bodies of water, you can assume that wild skunks are nearby.

In order to protect yourself and your loved ones, continue reading to learn exactly what you need to know about skunk encounters, and what to do if you ever see one close up.

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How to Avoid Skunk Encounters

If you want to avoid the problem altogether, simply stay away from skunks. Skunks are nocturnal, which means they are active at night and rest during the day. This is opposite most of our schedules, but nonetheless, avoid nighttime walks or runs if you do not want to spot a skunk. Furthermore, skunks need water, so they are often located near water sources, like ponds, streams, rivers, and lakes.

Another best practice for avoiding skunk encounters is skunk control. Basically, you want to thwart a skunk’s interest in your property by modifying it against their liking. Seal up shelter areas like hollowed trees, abandoned animal dens, and even openings to your patio or porch. Then cut off access to all food and water sources outside, such as pet food, gardens, trash cans, Koi ponds, bird baths, and more.

What to Do if You See a Skunk

The biggest and most common fear about encountering a skunk is getting sprayed. Fortunately, you can rely on the very proven fact that most skunks only spray if they feel threatened. So, if you see a skunk, simply stay still and let it pass, or turn slowly and walk away. They do not chase; they can’t even run fast, so you are in the clear if you follow these tips!

Sprayed By a Skunk?

Curious pets often get sprayed by an agitated skunk. Whether it’s your pet or yourself, here’s how to get rid of skunk smell: Combine 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 or 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid. Then use this solution to wash yourself and your effected garments.

Are you dealing with nuisance skunks around your property? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for professional wildlife removal and control for skunks in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial animal removal services.

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