Skunk Spray Effects
A dog or cat sprayed in the face or mouth by a skunk could encounter some serious medical issues. Skunk spray effects are sometimes more dangerous than people believe they could be. Most often, it is just a big, smelly problem and nothing more. But there are some occasions that a skunks spray causes greater problems.
As you are securing your dog or cat, you should be giving him or her a quick look to see if they have been sprayed in the face, mouth or eyes. You should also give him or her a once over to see if they have been bitten or scratched. Although not every single skunk carries rabies. Some do.
While you are making phone calls and deciding what to do, make sure your dog or cat is secured and not running around in a panic. Only then can you effectively do what you need to do.
Skunk spray in the face can cause your dog to experience temporary blindness or a temporary loss of smell (actually, the sense of smell is there...it is just overwhelmed with the skunk musk). Your dog may also experience nauseau, diarrhea or appear to be disoriented. There are occasions where a dog has been sprayed in the mouth, left untreated or checked by a vet, and turned out fine. But, on rare occasions, untreated dogs may go on to suffer from loss of liver function, anemia or death. It is best to have the vet see your dog if he has been sprayed in the eyes or mouth. Why not be on the safe side, your dog is worth it. If your dog is sprayed in the mouth or face area or displays any of these symptoms after being sprayed by a skunk, see your vet immediately. If your vet is not available, give their answering service or an after-hours vet a call. Most vets these days take turns answering after hours emergency calls. If you are still uncomfortable, you can usually find an emergency vet clinic that is open.
It may turn out to be no more than a smelly inconvenience, but skunk spray effects should not be guessed at. It is better to err on the side of caution and not guess at the severity of skunk spray effects.
As you are securing your dog or cat, you should be giving him or her a quick look to see if they have been sprayed in the face, mouth or eyes. You should also give him or her a once over to see if they have been bitten or scratched. Although not every single skunk carries rabies. Some do.
While you are making phone calls and deciding what to do, make sure your dog or cat is secured and not running around in a panic. Only then can you effectively do what you need to do.
Skunk spray in the face can cause your dog to experience temporary blindness or a temporary loss of smell (actually, the sense of smell is there...it is just overwhelmed with the skunk musk). Your dog may also experience nauseau, diarrhea or appear to be disoriented. There are occasions where a dog has been sprayed in the mouth, left untreated or checked by a vet, and turned out fine. But, on rare occasions, untreated dogs may go on to suffer from loss of liver function, anemia or death. It is best to have the vet see your dog if he has been sprayed in the eyes or mouth. Why not be on the safe side, your dog is worth it. If your dog is sprayed in the mouth or face area or displays any of these symptoms after being sprayed by a skunk, see your vet immediately. If your vet is not available, give their answering service or an after-hours vet a call. Most vets these days take turns answering after hours emergency calls. If you are still uncomfortable, you can usually find an emergency vet clinic that is open.
It may turn out to be no more than a smelly inconvenience, but skunk spray effects should not be guessed at. It is better to err on the side of caution and not guess at the severity of skunk spray effects.
