- Mix 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and 1 to 2 teaspoons dishwashing liquid. While the brew bubbles, rub it on Cooper. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse well. Repeat if necessary.
- Use tomato juice to dip Cooper. Let it dry, wash it out, and then bathe him with dog shampoo.
- Bathe him with Dawn dishwashing liquid followed by dog shampoo.
- Use double-strength Massengill vinegar and water douche powder as a dip.
If the spray hits Cooper’s eyes, it could cause conjunctivitis or a corneal ulcer. So, if he’s rubbing his face, flush his eyes with plenty of eye wash or water, and make an appointment with your veterinarian.
If the skunk sprayed Cooper’s mouth, he’s probably drooling, so rinse his mouth with lots of water. If he swallowed skunk musk, it could damage his red blood cells.
A more serious issue is that skunks can carry rabies. If the skunk connected with Cooper, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Since medical problems rarely develop after a dog is sprayed by a skunk, your primary concern is probably the odor. Even after treatment, it may return when Cooper is bathed or gets drenched by rain. I experienced the same problem when one of my dogs was skunked, so you have my sympathy and best wishes.
You have three treatment options: topical therapy, oral medication, and environmental control. Treatment may consist of one or more of these options, depending on the severity of the cat’s infection, the number of infected cats, and the susceptibility of the humans exposed to the disease. Combination therapy may also hasten cure.
Topical therapy consists of the lime-sulfur dip prescribed for Lily, an enilconazole dip, or an anti-fungal shampoo that contains miconazole and chlorhexidine. The dips are effective as sole therapy. Veterinarians usually prescribe topical therapy twice weekly. Oral anti-fungal medication may also be recommended.
Finally, many veterinarians advocate environmental decontamination. Transmission almost always occurs through direct contact with the pet, but removal of ringworm spores from the home may help decrease the spread of the disease.
Dust furniture with damp wipes, and use a lint roller or sticky tape to remove hair. Wipe other hard surfaces with disinfectant or diluted bleach.
Clean hardwood and tile floors with a damp, disposable cloth, such as a Swiffer pad. Avoid brooms, which are difficult to decontaminate.
Vacuum carpeting and upholstery, and dispose of the bag. Hot water extraction, also called steam cleaning, is very effective. Launder bedding and small rugs. Replace furnace filters.
Your job will be easier if you restrict Lily to one room you can clean easily until your veterinarian confirms that her ringworm is gone.
