Mae Chow
If you’ve ever been in an area where an agitated skunk has recently sprayed or, worse, been the target of a skunk spray attack, I don’t have to tell you that the aroma is … memorable 😉 Throughout more than 30 years as an animal control professional, I’ve had more than a few run-ins with angry skunks that don’t take kindly to being removed from someone’s property, and I’ve suffered the consequences! I’ve recently learned that using Critter Riddert® Motion-Activated Animal Repellent & Sprinkler is a great way to keep from having a skunk problem in the first place, without ever having to approach the animal 😁 [1]
Skunks are naturally very docile animals and rarely take the offensive. However, if a skunk becomes alarmed or is threatened by another animal or a person, it will use the spray as a defensive weapon. The distinctive colourr and markings of skunks acts as an effective visual warning to animals that have had a previous skunk encounter; however, this visual warning is ineffective to ‘inexperienced’ dogs. Before unleashing its repugnant spray, most skunks try to deter the threatened attack by hissing, stamping their feet, and arching their tails high over their backs. If the threat persists, the skunk will take aim and fire its spray at the target. Skunks are capable of ejecting their spray across a distance of several feet (some sources say up to 5 meters or 15 feet). (last revised 36 days ago by Jovonna Clemens from Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar) [2]
Typical dog shampoo is not going to get rid of the skunk smell from a dog that has been sprayed, but there are special shampoos that are available for purchase, and they do help. These shampoos are specifically designed to neutralize the skunk odourr so be sure to read the label and follow the directions for use. Some shampoos that are designed for getting rid of the skunk smell are Skunk-Off, Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover, and De-Skunk Odor Destroying Shampoo. If you live in an area where there are a lot of skunks or your dog has a history of being a little too curious around skunks, it’s a good idea to have a bottle of store-bought shampoo on hand at all times. (modified by Samina Caudill on July 15, 2021) [3]
Jonah Beach from animals.mom.com, explains how although skunks use their foul scent to repel predators and other perceived threats, they usually do so as a last resort. In general, skunks provide plenty of warning prior to spraying, with body language and behavioral cues that include stamping their feet, charging and doing handstands. You can usually avoid getting sprayed by paying heed to these cues and giving the skunk a wide berth. This behaviourr is normal when a skunk feels threatened — it does not indicate that a skunk is rabid. However, skunks are nocturnal animals who generally don’t make appearance during the day unless forced out of hiding by inclement weather. If you spot a skunk on a sunny day, a good chance exists that the creature might have rabies or distemper — avoid the skunk, and report the sighting to animal control immediately. (modified by Ileana Lopes on November 29, 2020) [4]
