Reminder:
SKUNKS ARE A POTENTIAL CARRIER OF RABIES.
PROTECT YOURSELF by using impermeable (i.e. latex) gloves when handling your animal to check him/her for wounds or to cleanse them, and when giving the bath. Most animals never get that close, but you never know. If you find that your pet has been bitten or contacted a skunk's blood or saliva, you should consult with your veterinarian, and if you suspect you have contacted a skunk's blood or saliva - contact your physician.

We have the following protocol that we like to follow for dogs and cats that have been sprayed by a skunk. It certainly is not the only protocol, and the link at the bottom tells you more about skunks, and gives some other regimens.

WARNING: Dark colored animals may have some lightening of their haircoat with the following regimen: Remember that the smell will set and you will remove less of the smell the longer you wait to treat your pet:

Bathe your pet well several times using a pet or mild human shampoo, then:

1. Be sure dog (or cat) is completely wet.
2. Make a paste of equal parts BAKING SODA and HYDROGEN PEROXIDE. Apply paste to affected areas - usually head, shoulders, front legs, chest and neck. AVOID GETTING INTO EYES, NOSE EARS AND MOUTH.
3. Shampoo animal thoroughtly and rinse well.
4. Repeat above steps if pet still smells, but realize that the smell seems to be quickly absorbed by mucous membranes, so often the smell is retained by the mouth and nose.
5. If you have Skunk Off!®, you could squirt a small amount in each nostril (one at a time).

Alternatives to the baking soda/peroxide include tomato juice, vinegar and water, Massengil douche (non-medicated), and Skunk Off!® (available at our Hospital and many pet stores).

Often there is some residual smell no matter how hard you try.

This is a link to a page with more information about skunks!