Family Protection dogs are curious. They like to head outside and explore the yard. But during the warmer months, their freedom-loving nature might get them in trouble, especially with skunks.
That’s right. It’s the summer season, which means that skunks will be heading to your yards at dawn and dusk. If your canine companion is out exploring the yard and bumps into a skunk, chances are that it is going to get sprayed by the skunk with a very stinky liquid.
How to Get the Skunk Smell Off Your Personal Protection Dog
Although skunks are non-violent animals, they will spray a foul-smelling liquid if they feel threatened by your dog. The spray can reach up to 16 feet, which means that even if your dog is at a safe distance from the skunk, it will become a victim of the bad smell.
When this happens there are a few steps you can take to help minimize the stench.
If your dog has a stinky encounter with a skunk, you need to act fast and work on getting rid of the smell as soon as possible. If you do not act immediately, the smell might get worse and harder to get off of your dog.
Step 1: Take Immediate Action
Personal protection dogs are often roaming out in the yard because they are responsible for keeping the property protected. If your personal protection dog gets sprayed by a skunk, make sure you keep them outside. Bringing your German Shepherd dog indoors will only get the spray on your carpet and floor and only worsen the situation for you.
Step 2: Get the Appropriate Gear for Proper Cleaning
You wouldn’t want the bad smell of the spray to be on you, which is why it is important to quickly change into clothes that you won’t mind getting rid of. In order to protect your skin from the foul smell, wear a pair of disposable gloves to keep your hands protected from the stink.
Step 3: Clean Your Dog Using the Right Shampoo or Solution
Head to the pet shop to find skunk shampoos that are ideal for use when bathing your dog to get rid of skunk spray. If you are not able to get to a pet store, the Humane Society of the United States suggests you use this alternate solution:
“Use a one-quart mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap, and ¼ cup baking soda as shampoo for cleaning your dog.”
When mixing this solution, it is suggested that you are careful because the wrong amount of hydrogen peroxide could burn your family protection dog’s skin.
Also, while preparing the formula, make sure you use an open bowl instead of a closed one to avoid an adverse chemical reaction.
Step 4: Check Your Dog
Before you begin bathing your dog, it is important to ensure that the skunk did not harm your dog. If your dog is injured, you will need to take it to a vet to get checked and treated first. This is very important as skunks carry rabies.
Step 5: Bath Your Dog
If your dog was sprayed in the face, make sure you clean the face without getting the mixture in its eyes, nose, and mouth as it might cause irritation. Keep rinsing and washing your dog until the smell is completely gone.
Step 6: Work on a Long-Term Approach
If you don’t want your beloved dog to have a stinky encounter with a skunk again, it is best to locate hiding spots in your yard and fix them. Check the following areas:
- Wood and rock piles
- Small openings under slabs and porches
- Elevated sheds
- Hiding spots under the house
- Garbage cans
When it comes to preventing skunk encounters, it is important that you try not to leave your personal protection dog alone in the outdoors. This will save your canine companion and yourself from the smelly trouble.