Need some words of wisdom on dogs and skunks, please!

[Mary Plummer]

Mr. Blue had a tiny run-in with one last night. He got sprayed in his face, but I don't think it was TOO bad. We've done the hydro/baking soda wash thing, and I found some pet-friendly carpet deodorizer at the store today, so that's all good. What I'm curious about is how likely he will be now to stay away from them. Part of me thinks that, after getting sprayed, he won't want to have anything to do with them. However, I can also see him wanting to "really get" them, and being more likely to want to mess with them now. What do you think? I'm definitely going to be a lot more cautious about just letting him out in our yard at night, now! I may start taking him out on his leash at night, for a while anyway, to see how he does.

[Traci]

In my experience, dogs are with skunks the same as they are with porcupines, they will keep going at them, over and over again. (can't tell you how many times we see the same dogs in for quill removals, sigh)

Mr Blue might be different though, and as you said, be cautious when letting him out at night, I'm not sure a leash is going to stop him however, if he's determined, prepare for a ride, heh. (could also be dangerous for both yourself and Mr Blue, I'd suggest instead to supervise him in the yard, unleashed, if a skunk is encountered, ask hubby to be nearby to help get Mr Blue back inside, chase off skunk, but be VERY careful).

They are probably simply passing through, looking for food....in springtime, the females may have young ones nearby so they are more likely to be agressive if approached.

[momPaws]

Mary- since the same thing happened to Honey I understand how you feel. I have the same fears also about the skunk still being around. So after dark when she has to go out she does on a really long leash that just gives me a little control in case I have to quickly reel her in. (It also prevents her from taking off to nose around at night.) Luckily the varmit has not been around since that time. Hope it works out the same for you.

[momPaws]

PS- how was that hydro/bak soda "receipe" for washing him...did it work well and really get rid of all the smell and was it easy to use? Whenever I think of those ingredients together it just sounds caustic.

[E's]

Dunno about the wisdom, but do seem to recall skunks are very territorial beasties... and fearless. In your part of the world now, youngsters that were babies last spring are looking for places to 'hole up' in come fall/winter. They like to nest under houses, in woodpiles, in any tool or garden shed in which they can find an entrance. You and hubby might want to walk the parameters and check out same. Your county agent can tell you what works best to discourage skunks from making themselves at home... all I remember is mothballs? Or probably these days there are websites instead of county agents. I agree Mr. Blue should do his nightlies only on lead for awhile... poor Mr. Blue , skunks are his natural enemies and he is likely to keep going after them - and though he got hit lightly this time, the next encounters could be really miserable for him and for his family. Good luck!

[k9Karen]

If nothing else, I think curiosity will get the better of him. Mary, from the way you've always decribed him, he sounds like a VERY curious hound. Plus, he's going to want to protect you and his yard. I think E's advice is good - check out those woodpiles, or YOU may be the next victim. I seem to recall someone somewhere even had a skunk up in the attic. I suspect the nights are getting cooler up there (or they certainly will be soon) and Fall will be here before you know it (at least it will be where you are - down here we won't see any change until late October - IF we're lucky - we're still in the middle of hurricane season!).

[Mary Plummer]

that old cliche, you know "Once sprayed twice shy" The thought of them holing up in our yard fo the winter is pretty frightening; I'm going to start looking around, and trying to find a dog-friendly skunk repellant. I'm afraid Mr. Blue really is the type who won't be put off by a little spraying; he'll probably definitely want to go for them again, so keeping them out of our yard sounds like the best aproach. MomPaws, that recipe did seem to do the trick pretty well; the odor didn't completely disappear, but it got rid of a lot of it. I was worried about his eyes, though, so I might not have left it on long enough. He didn't like it at all, which probably goes without saying!