Pet owners having skunk problems

By Lindsey Henley
WSLS10 Reporter
Published: September 3, 2008

    You may be noticing an increase in skunks in our area.

    One pet owner we spoke with says his show dog has been sprayed three times in the past three months.

  “We try to keep her groomed at least three out of four weeks; however, the skunk spray is hard to get out of the chow’s fur,“ Chris Nininger said.

    With the help of Blue Ridge Wildlife, Nininger has set up traps all around his yard.

    “They bait them with apples and peanut butter,“ Nininger said.

    Experts we spoke with say people in our area may be seeing more and more skunks because of the drought.  The dry conditions are causing many animals, not just skunks, to leave their natural habitat looking for food.

    The fruit trees in Nininger’s backyard are very appealing to small animals, but things like pet food and garbage cans are also skunk magnets.

    So how do you get rid of the smell if it’s stuck on your animal? 

    Here’s a remedy from a local animal expert:
    - 2 quarts of hydrogen peroxide
    - 1 tsp. of dishwashing liquid
    - 1 box of baking soda

      Mix those ingredients together and leave them on your animal for about 15 minutes.  You can also add a little bit of fabric softener to the mix if you so choose.

      We’d like to hear from you.  What’s your recommendation when it comes to getting rid of the skunk smell?  Feel free to leave us a message.