Skunk Spray, Exposure to Pets, and Potential Toxicosis
Skunk spray can be toxic to dogs because its chemical compounds can damage red blood cells, causing a severe, of anemia called Heinz body anemia or methemoglobinemia.
Symptoms of anemia, such as severe weakness, lethargy, and chocolate-colored mucous membranes, usually appear a few hours to a day after exposure and require immediate veterinary care. Beyond anemia, the spray can also cause temporary blindness, corneal damage, respiratory irritation, and severe digestive upset.
If your pet is exposed to or sprayed by a Skunk, please be careful. Try to find gloves to handle your pet for washing and treatment
***IF YOUR PET IS NOT CURRENT ON RABIES VACCINATION, SEE YOUR VET ASAP, especially if your pet was bitten. Skunks are a Principal Carrier of Rabies in North America**** Alert Local Animal Control of your situation as well
Other Principal carriers of Rabies in North America are: Raccoons, Foxes, Cats (esp. Strays- beware), Bats
. Here is a recipe for cleaning your pet for Skunk Spray: 1 quart of fresh 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
1/4 cup of Baking Soda
1-2 teaspoons of Liquid Dishwashing detergent
Mix all ingredients together; bathe outdoors; apply the formula to the pet and work it deeply into the fur; allow it to set for 5 minutes, then rinse. Repeat if necessary. Mixture cannot be stored in a closed container and must be used fresh. Your pets fur, clothing, towels etc may be bleached by the formula.