What is what to do when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk?

Okay, here's information on what to do when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, formatted in Markdown with the requested links:

What to Do When Your Dog Gets Sprayed by a Skunk

Getting sprayed by a skunk is an unpleasant experience for both you and your dog. Here's a guide on what to do:

1. Act Quickly: The sooner you address the situation, the less likely the skunk oil is to soak in and the easier it will be to remove the odor. Don't let your dog rub against furniture or carpet.

2. Confine the Dog: If possible, keep your dog outside to prevent the skunk oil from spreading inside your home. If it's cold, try to keep them in a garage or enclosed porch.

3. Check for Injuries: Skunks can carry rabies. If you see any bites or scratches, consult your vet immediately. Check%20for%20injuries.

4. Protect Yourself: Wear old clothes and rubber gloves to protect yourself from the skunk oil. Skunk spray can also irritate your skin.

5. The Skunk Odor Neutralizing Bath:

   • Avoid Water at First: Contrary to initial thought, avoid wetting your dog down immediately. This can spread the skunk oil and make the smell worse.

   • Use a Specific Skunk Odor Remover: Products specifically designed to neutralize skunk odors are most effective. Follow the product instructions carefully.

   • DIY Solution (If you don't have a specific product): A common and effective homemade remedy is a mixture of:

     • 1 quart (32 ounces) of 3% hydrogen peroxide
     • 1/4 cup baking soda
     • 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap (like Dawn)

   • Application: Apply the mixture to your dog's dry fur, being careful to avoid their eyes, nose, and mouth. Work it in thoroughly. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

   • Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your dog thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat if necessary.

   • Important Safety Note: Do NOT store the peroxide/baking soda mixture in a closed container. It can create pressure and explode. Use it immediately and discard any leftover mixture.

6. Wash Your Dog with Regular Shampoo: After the skunk odor treatment, wash your dog with their regular shampoo to remove any remaining residue. Wash%20your%20dog

7. Dry Your Dog: Towel dry your dog thoroughly. You can also use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting, but be careful not to overheat them.

8. Clean Contaminated Items: Wash any clothes, towels, or surfaces that came into contact with the skunk oil. Use laundry detergent and baking soda in your washing machine. For surfaces, use a solution of bleach and water (follow bleach dilution instructions carefully). Clean%20contaminated%20items

9. Monitor: If your dog is showing signs of illness or discomfort even after being cleaned, contact your veterinarian. Contact%20your%20veterinarian

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not substitute professional veterinary advice.