Skunks are one of the most common nuisance animals found in the urban and suburban areas. They are not only known for the nauseating musk that they release but they can also be a persistent digger. They will damage our plant in the process. They can build their burrow close to the house foundation that will gradually compromise the structure of our homes. They were first introduced in North America 300 years ago as a method to control the population of the rats. In some parts of Europe, they were even trained to chase rabbits.



Possible Dangers of Skunks to our Pets
If you do not want to attract the attention of the skunk, you will have to control the population of insects in your yard. You should also be wary when feeding your pets outside since the greasy and sweet scent of the pet food will capture their interest. Make it a habit to clear the fallen fruits in your garden and keep your garbage bin covered with a secured lid. By doing so, you will be able to avoid the dangers associated with them and keep your pets safe.

The Bite of the Skunk
While skunks have a varied diet, they are still considered as carnivores. They are armed with strong and sharp canine teeth. While there are instances that our pets can escape their spray, expect that they will be injured from a fight with a skunk. In addition, skunks are also possible transmitter of the rabies virus. The virus can be transmitted through the scratches and bite of an infected skunk.

Skunk Spray
In case the dog encounters a skunk in your yard, it has an instinct to defend its territory and will chase upon the skunk. Usually, the skunk will flee from the sign of dangers; however, once they are cornered, they will retaliate with their spray. On the off chance that your dog has been sprayed by the skunk, it is best to acquire the assistance of the veterinarians. They can identify the severity of the situation and determine the proper solution to eliminate the malodorous scent. Their spray is known to be volatile substance and your pet can suffer for months. This can lead to a physical or emotional distress to our pets.

Signs and Symptoms of Skunk Spray
Since the spray will release an intense scent, it will be quite easy to figure things out. In most cases, the skunk will spray directly in the face of their attacker. Apart from the smell, your dog may also experience other symptoms such as temporary blindness, tearing, drooling, vomiting, and nausea. The attack of the skunk spray has been placed in different categories such as ocular (the eyes will feel the greatest impact), oral (sprayed in the mouth), dermal (the spray has a direct contact with the skin), and respiratory (breathing difficulty).

In the case that you noticed that your dog or cat is showing these symptoms, you need to take them to your local veterinarian. This can help you avoid secondary injuries from their constant skin biting and eye scratching.

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