Skunks normally mind their own business, but sometimes they are provoked to spray by an unsuspecting curious pet. The questions of what they spray, why they spray, and how do you get rid of the odor are answered here.
Also, is the spray toxic? Find out what you need to do for post-skunk first aid for your pets to be safe.
Related: Porcupines and Quills
1. Skunked! Why skunks spray, what they spray, and what to do about it
Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) by cliff1066 on Flickr
Your dog barks frantically, or maybe zooms off in another direction. Then you smell it. Skunk! I think that this has happened to each dog I have lived with at some point in their life. Some escape with just a spritz, other dogs come back dripping in skunk juice. Not good.
Learn about skunks behavior to help prevent being "skunked" in the future and what to do about that odor now.
2. First Aid: What to do if your pet is sprayed with skunk spray
Watch out! by kreyton on Flickr
3. Tell us your curious-pet-meets-skunk story
Tomato Juice Bath by Oakley Originals on Flickr
Many of us have had the unpleasant realization, usually at night, of "uh oh, my dog has been skunked!" With a direct attack, the odor is often so strong that the amount of skunk oil on the pet may be underestimated. This can lead to bringing the dog (or articles of clothing) in the house a bit too soon.
Annoying, frustrating...what's your skunk story?
