Health & Safety

HEALTH & SAFETY

This page is for REFERENCE ONLY and should not be substituted
for advice from a veterinarian!

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Skunk Odor Removal

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ALERT!
Tell your vet about this

An EXTREMELY IMPORTANT piece of advice regarding Boxers: There is a commonly used pre-anaesthetic agent called ACE (Aceprozamine).

Ace causes a sudden and dramatic drop in blood pressure in Boxers when, combined with an often undetected underlying heart issue, can spell death.

I must admit to being somewhat skeptical about this, as back when it happened it was considered "anecdotal". That was until a friend lost her Boxer as her vet was administering Ace as a pre-anaesthetic; her Boxer stopped breathing and they lost him immediately. She began looking for more information. Now, Merck's vet manual and most other veterinary books recommend against giving Ace to boxers specifically. UC Davis now also cautions specifically not to give Ace to Boxers.

Discuss this drug with your veterinarian to ensure it is not used on your Boxer at the time he/she must undergo anesthesia. It can cause first degree heart block, arrhythmia, and collapse in Boxers. Some owners have also been advised to use it on their own to treat separation anxiety, as well (even as a tranquilizer before being shipped via airlines). Don't allow your Boxer to be administered this drug and then be allowed to leave the veterinary facility. Without a veterinarian's immediate, direct and personal observation your dog is as risk. It is recommended that if Acepromazine is offered for any reason to treat your Boxer, you will know to refuse it. Many veterinarians do not use Aceprozamine on Boxers, however, many who do only do so if the dog REMAINS with the vet under personal observation. Unfortunately, there are veterinarians who are not aware of the risk to this breed in particular, and who may be more comfortable in its use. There are suitable substitutes available.

Tip Regarding Seizures

Although many owners believe that the age (or color) of your Boxer is a factor in what is responsible if your dog experiences seizures, this is not the case. There may be an underlying cause that has brought this on and, with your input, your veterinarian will be able to make a determination. There IS something very important that you can do immediately that will be a great help. The first thing you need to do is document the date, time, severity, and how long the seizure(s) lasted. The vet needs this information to properly diagnose and determine the appropriate medication and dosage. There are times when changes in medications and dosage will occur every 9-10 months. Always keep a log for your benefit as well as the vet's. Seizures are not a sure death sentence, either. There have been Boxers that started having grand mal seizures at the age of 3, who have lived to be 9 years old or more with medication

Recipe - Skunk Odor Removal
For Your Dog

1 quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

1 teaspoon liquid soap
(Dawn Dishwashing Detergent is often recommended, but any dish soap will work)

Mix in a bucket or bowl; it will be fizzy, a clue that you shouldn't try to mix it or store it in a bottle or other closed container. Thoroughly wet your dog with the solution. Knead it well into his coat, to chemically alter every bit of the thiols on his hair. Be careful to keep the formula out if the dog's eyes, nose and mouth; you can use a sponge to carefully wipe it onto his face. Follow the bath with a thorough rinse.

I pursue this issue a little further only because I've been through it more than once. The first time, the odor faintly persisted for months whenever his face got wet!

If you or your pet are sprayed by a skunk, there are several "home remedies" that work. Forget tomato juice!! Use distilled vinegar to sponge the area that is sprayed to "neutralize the odor". Then use dawn dish soap to "cut through the oil" (skunk spray is a very oily foam). Follow with regular shampoo and conditioner.

Since a dog is usually sprayed in the face: 1) Rinse the eyes under water; 2) DO use the tomato sauce or juice for the dog to eat or clean their mouth; and 3) Fine mist a 50-50 solution of vinegar-water up the nose (make sure you don't aspirate your dog!!), otherwise you will be able to smell the skunk spray odor for a very long time when near their face (and so will your dog!).

Several good store-bought treatments are Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor Removal, Skunk-Off, Odor-Mute, etc.

You don't need to burn or throw away clothes or other items that are sprayed. Soak in vinegar, then Dawn dish soap, use laundry detergent, and dry in the sun until the last traces of odor are gone. Fresh air and sun are the key elements!

A negative ion generator (Alpine is a good brand) will remove skunk smell from the whole home/auto. Just crank it up to the maximum for a day when not home. Check with your local distributor.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG FROM GETTING SPRAYED:

1) Feed your dog inside or watch to see that all the food is finished and remove bowl.

2) Keep your dog inside between dusk to dawn.

3) Walk your dog on a leash during this period.

4) Make sure your dog doesn't stick his/her head into areas in which you cannot see, i.e., bushes.

5) Use fencing that prevents the skunk and dog from seeing each other. In the case of chainlink fencing, weave slats into the holes to prevent visibility.