What the…whew!
Don’t run away: skunks are caniforms, too, just like wolves and dogs.
Also, some of my neighbors, right across the valley from me, are in this group:
Meanwhile, back East…
What brought Mephitidae into the picture was the unexpected discovery that Canidae doesn’t fit into this year’s monthly alliteration thing for weekend posts as well as Felidae does. We will be meeting caniforms a few times this year.
And there is also a very dog-relevant aspect to today’s post…
How to deskunk your dog
I haven’t tried this, but it sounds believable. Of note, one video I saw said to use the solution BEFORE wetting Fido’s fur because, they said, skunk oil reacts with water and then gets into the fur and the skin — your dog will stink for months when its coat gets wet.
That video also warns not to use toothpaste containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is very poisonous to dogs.
It might not go through the skin, and since you’re being careful about the eyes it is unlikely to get into the mouth.
Still, dogs generally get sprayed in the face.
The good news is that there are xylitol-free toothpastes out there, although you might have to hunt for them.
Definitely talk to your vet about this deskunking treatment before trying it out on Fido.
For lagniappe:
Not just at Thanksgiving. ❤️
Featured image: Layne VR/Shutterstock
Flight To Wonder 