It is skunk season. Mating season for skunks is generally in February and March and the young are born in the spring. The gestation is about 2 months and they have about 4 -6 babies in a litter.

With mating season and the new skunks – it is a good time for some dogs to get sprayed! Skunks are generally not innately vicious but spray in response to fear as part of their defense system.

Their spray is a think oily and very stinky secretion from their anal glands. The active stinky ingredient is a compound called mercaptan which contains sulfur.

Skunks can spray very accurately for 8 to 10 feet and reach a dog up to 16 or 18 feet away. If sprayed in the eyes, it can cause temporary burning. The biggest problems is the stink.

How to Bathe Your Dog after A Skunk Spray

There are a lot of old wives tales out there about how to remove shunk odor.  Most shampoos and perfumes only mask the spray. Tomato juice is a common recommendation but doesn’t work.  A commercial product called Skunk Off® can be purchased.

The best home remedy for removing skunk odor is as follows:

• Create a mixture of one quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 1-cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon liquid soap.

• What is important is for you to allow this mixture to sit on your pet for about 10 minutes.

• After the solutions soaks, rinse with tap water.

• NOTE: DO NOT get the solution in the dogs eyes.