Diagnosis of Skunk Spray in Dogs
Bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately if he has been sprayed by a skunk and is showing intense discomfort. Not only will he be surrounded by a never ending odor, the sensations in his eyes, nose and mouth may be causing him to feel nauseous. Your pet may unintentionally cause secondary injuries due to scratching his eyes, or biting his skin.
It is also wise to have your dog checked by the veterinarian in case your pet was bitten by the skunk. Skunks are known to carry the rabies virus. The veterinarian will also verify if there has been damage to the cornea of the eye (which can cause temporary blindness).
Your dog will probably throw up after being sprayed by a skunk, and that is a normal reaction. A few minutes of vomiting wont harm your pup; it will actually help him get rid of any of the chemical that got into his system. If he continues to throw up, dont let him eat or drink — and get him to the vet immediately. Diarrhea is another form of tummy trouble your dog might experience as a result of a skunk spraying. Youll want to try to settle his stomach by not feeding him for 12 to 24 hours, but do allow him water, so he doesnt dehydrate. If his bowels are still loose after 24 hours, get him to the vet for treatment.
Theres no such thing as “harmless” skunk spray. The lingering scent that repugnantly publicizes the fact that your dog had a run-in with a skunk is dreadful enough. But skunk spray is more than malodorous. Its truly noxious. Side effects can be lethal to a dog who ingests it, or to a dog who gets trapped in an unventilated area, such as the skunks underground den, and breathes in concentrated amounts of it.
A dog has to swallow and breathe a significant amount of skunk spray for it to result in toxic shock. It has been known to happen, however, most frequently in terriers and other dogs who may corner a skunk underground where the dog cannot avoid a toxic cloud of skunk spray. As the spray enters your dogs system, it explodes his red blood cells, affecting his kidneys and renal system, and can cause anemia, according to Patrick Burns in “American Working Terriers.” If a skunk sprays your dog in an enclosed space, or if you suspect he has swallowed any spray, have your vet examine him. She will likely treat him with intravenous fluids; she may have to give him a drug to break down mucus and help move the poison out of his system. You should also watch for signs of general shock; they include rapid heart rate, pale gums, abnormal breathing, disorientation and glassy stare.
Elle Di Jensen has been a writer and editor since 1990. She began working in the fitness industry in 1987, and her experience includes editing and publishing a workout manual. She has an extended family of pets, including special needs animals. Jensen attended Idaho and Boise State Universities. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications.
A direct dose of skunk spray in the face can cause chemical burns to the sensitive tissue of your dogs eyes and mouth. The burning can range from benign irritation to full-blown sores. Providing your dog ample fresh water after a skunking will allow him to flush his mouth and hopefully avoid developing ulcers in or around it. “The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats” recommends rinsing your dogs eyes with human eyewash you can get at any drug store. If the spray causes more than irritation and results in sores, have the vet examine your dog. Shell prescribe an antibiotic ointment for ulcers in or on the eyes. Topical antibiotics will also help heal ulcers outside of the mouth, but your vet will likely give your dog a prescription of antibiotic pills to help heal sores inside his mouth.
TREATMENT
Treatment of skunk spray is primarily symptomatic and supportive. Dermal decontamination involves bathing. The goal is to convert thiols into nonodorous compounds. Thiols are not water-soluble, even with soap. A baking soda and peroxide mixture will oxidize thiols into water-soluble sulfonates (see “Krebaum skunk odor removal formula” below for recipe and instructions). Pets should be bathed outside so the spray does not contaminate household furnishings.4
For ocular exposures, flush the animals eyes with tepid water. If an animal has received a heavy spray or multiple exposures, obtain baseline blood work. A complete blood count and serum chemistry profile should be obtained on arrival at the clinic. Monitor the animal for the next 72 hours.
If clinical signs consistent with methemoglobinemia or Heinz body anemia develop, administer intravenous fluids. Blood transfusions may be required. To treat methemoglobinemia, give N-acetylcysteine at a 140-mg/kg loading dose followed by 70 mg/kg orally or intravenously every six hours for six to eight treatments.
Skunks can carry rabies. If a pet is bitten by a skunk, initiate appropriate treatment, prophylaxis, and monitoring, and report the case to the proper authorities.
Charlotte Means, DVM, MLIS, DABVT, DABT
1717 S. Philo Road, Suite 36