Skunks are one of the most common and prolific wild animals in the US. They are found in all 48 of the lower states.

Unfortunately, they are also one of the smelliest. Or at least they can be if they feel threatened.

As a defensive measure, skunks have a gland beneath their tails that contains a highly offensive smelling chemical that they can spray up to 30 feet. And one of their most frequent targets is the household dog.

House Cleaning Boca Raton — Dogs and Skunks

Unlike squirrels, skunks are relatively slow-moving. And unlike possums and racoons, they aren’t always nocturnal. So skunks make the perfect plaything for curious and playful dogs.

When a skunk sprays your dog, you will usually know nearly right away. You will be able to smell the offensive odor on your dog from literally dozens of yards away.

The most important thing to remember if your dog gets “skunked” is to prevent it from entering your house. The skunk smell is actually a chemical that can easily be transferred to your clothes, furniture, and flooring. It’s far easier to get the smell off your dog than it is out of your home.

House Cleaning Boca Raton — Home Remedy

You also probably don’t need to take your dog to the vet. In most case, getting skunked won’t harm your dog’s health. You also don’t want to put your dog in your car after it’s been skunked because the unpleasant aroma can stick around for weeks or even months.

Instead, all you need to do is put on some old clothes that you can throw out when you are done, don some plastic gloves, and make a concoction of one-quart hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 Tsp of dishwashing liquid.

Wet your dog’s coat with water then work the solution through its fur. Let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Depending on the severity of the smell, you may need to repeat a few times to get it all out.