How Dangerous is Skunk Spray to Dogs?

Skunks and dogs around the world have had several negative encounters. These almost always end with dogs being doused with the smelly stuff associated with skunks. But there’s more to that smelly stuff that meets the … well nose. The potential side effects of skunk spray on dogs are quite serious but with the help of humane wildlife control teams, Rexdale homeowners can protect their pets from skunk spray.

That Offensive Skunk Spray

We already know that skunk spray smells really bad and that it is extremely difficult to erase. But did you know that skunk spray can also hurt your dog? Yes, the offensive spray is laden with harmful toxins that trigger negative reactions in the body. And since dogs and skunks have a conflict-filled relationship skunk encounters are bound to be negative for pretty much every canine animal. Dogs often end up showered in skunk stink after attacking or chasing a skunk. Some unfortunate pups even face the misfortune of having their heads stuck in a skunk’s burrow, a situation that results in the dog being trapped in a cloud of skunk spray.

The Negative Effects of Skunk Spray

If a dog ingests or inhales the stuff the consequence can be deadly. The more of the substance involved, the greater the risks. Scientists have discovered that skunk spray has a toxic element that operates like the one in garlic and onion, which has already been proven to be deadly in dogs. This means that like onion and garlic, skunk spray can cause dogs to die.  After ingesting the spray, dogs may start to vomit and have diarrhea. This happens because the toxins cause anemia and damage key organs in the body. You should know that some amount of vomiting is expected to follow a skunk spraying incident, but if it doesn’t seem to be stopping, something more serious may be happening in your canine companion’s body and you need to get help. When this happens a quick trip to the vet is in order. The longer you wait the lower the chances of your dog surviving, so act quickly. Your vet will give your dog fluids and this helps some dogs to recover. Another life-threatening canine condition triggered by skunk spray is rabies.  Dogs that get sprayed by skunks are usually also bitten and this bite can cause the disease to be transmitted through the saliva of the infected skunk. Because your dog can be exposed to rabies from contact with just about any wild animal, not just skunks, you should prioritize getting your furry friend vaccinated against the disease.

Protecting Your Dog From Skunks

Never take skunk spray lightly. Protect your dog from skunk spray by limiting the potential for dog-skunk interaction. This means keeping your dog on a leash during walks and outdoor playtime and limiting or eliminating unsupervised outdoor activities. If you have overgrown shrubs on your property you should trim them back to discourage skunks from establishing burrows there. It’s also a great idea to get rid of any skunks that may be living in and around your property. The humane approach is best for this since it allows the skunk to survive while ensuring that your space is animal free. Expert wildlife control teams like Skedaddle have been providing this service to Rexdale homeowners for years. We can help you keep skunks away by installing effective exclusion methods for skunks.