De-skunking in Pinole

Skunks are all over the East Bay, and they come out at dusk and overnight, right when the dog goes out for the last time. If your dog just met one, you are not the first person to call me in a panic, and it can be sorted out.

What it is and who it's for

De-skunking is a bath built around one job: breaking down the oily skunk spray in the coat instead of covering it up. It helps most with big dogs, fluffy or double-coated dogs, and dogs who took the spray in the face, since those are the hardest to get clean in a bathtub or with a hose in the yard.

What happens during the groom

I work on one dog at a time in a quiet space in Pinole, so your dog is not waiting next to other barking dogs while they already feel miserable.

I start by checking the face and eyes, then work a de-skunking wash into the coat where the spray hit, keeping it well away from the eyes, nose, and mouth. The face gets careful attention with a cloth rather than a pour over the head. After that comes a thorough rinse, a regular bath, and a full dry, because a coat that stays damp underneath tends to bring the smell back.

Heavily sprayed dogs sometimes need more than one pass, and I'll keep going as long as your dog is comfortable. If something looks wrong along the way, like irritated eyes or a scratch, I'll tell you and suggest you call your vet.

What to do before you come

• Keep your dog outside or in a garage or laundry area. Skunk oil spreads to everything it touches.
• Check the eyes. If they look red or your dog is squinting, flush them gently with plenty of clean, lukewarm water.
• Call your vet first if your dog has any bites or scratches, is vomiting or drooling a lot, or still has sore, watery eyes after flushing. Wounds from a wild animal need a vet, not a groomer.
• Lay an old towel or blanket in the car for the ride over.
• Skip the tomato juice. It masks the smell for an hour, then the skunk comes right back, and it can stain light coats pink.

Good to know

• A faint smell can hang around for a while, especially when your dog gets wet. That's normal.
• Thick fur around the face and neck holds on to the smell longest.
• Wash collars and towels separately. A fabric harness may need replacing.
• Peroxide-based washes can leave dark coats with a reddish tinge in spots.
• In the days after, call your vet if your dog seems weak or tired, has pale gums, or their urine looks dark.

Call or text 415-606-1530, or use the booking form, and tell me your dog got skunked.