Nothing brings an outdoor adventure or a relaxing evening in the backyard, to a screeching halt like your dog charging out of the woods or bushes… and bringing back the unmistakable stench of a skunk or the ouch of a face full of porcupine quills. These encounters aren’t limited to hikes or rural trails, they can happen right at home. Knowing what to do in the moment can save you a ton of stress, mess, and pain.
🦨 If Your Dog Gets Skunked
Step 1: DO NOT GET THEM WET!
Your first instinct might be to reach for the hose, but hold up! Water actually seals the skunk oil into the hair follicle, making the smell last for weeks or even months.
Step 2: Make This Skunk Odor Removal Paste
Mix:
-
Baking soda
-
Dish soap or dog shampoo
Mix into a paste and apply it generously to your dog’s dry fur. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
🧪 Why it works:
Baking soda helps break down the skunk oil, and dish soap cuts through the grease. This method is safer and far more effective than the old tomato juice myth.
Bonus Tip:
Avoid your dog’s eyes and rinse carefully. Skunk spray can cause irritation and temporary blindness, contact your vet if your dog is showing signs of eye pain or excessive drooling.
Fun Fact:
Skunks can spray up to 10 feet, and up to 6 times in a row!
🦔 If Your Dog Gets Quilled by a Porcupine
Step 1: DO NOT PULL THE QUILLS OUT YOURSELF (unless absolutely necessary)
Porcupine quills are barbed and continue to work deeper into tissue over time. If improperly removed, they can break off under the skin or cause infection, damage to nerves, or worse.
Step 2: Keep Your Dog Calm and Immobilized
Prevent further injury by keeping your dog as still and calm as possible. Avoid touching the quills, especially if they’re near the eyes, mouth, or throat.
Step 3: Get to a Vet Immediately
Most dogs need to be sedated to have the quills safely and fully removed. Time matters, quills can migrate inward, especially around the face or joints.
Emergency Tip:
If you absolutely must remove a few quills yourself (e.g., one is impaling an eye), grip close to the skin with pliers and pull straight out, never twist. Still seek vet care afterward.
Prevention Tips for Next Time
-
Keep dogs leashed in high-risk areas, especially at dawn/dusk when skunks are most active.
-
Use a flashlight to scan the yard at night before letting your dog out.
-
Consider training a strong recall and “leave it” for wildlife encounters.
TIPS
-
🦨 Skunked? Don’t get them wet—use the baking soda and dish soap paste!
-
🦔 Quilled? Don’t pull, get to a vet ASAP.
-
Stay calm, stay prepared, and always keep a dog-safe first aid kit handy on hikes or camping trips.