Be Aware of Skunks in Myrtle Beach: Protect Your Pets This Fall

Watch Out for Skunks in Myrtle Beach!

Hey Myrtle Beach! As the weather cools down and we enjoy those gorgeous fall days, we need to pay attention to the *cute but stinky critters* roaming around our neighborhoods. Yep, that’s right — we’re talking about skunks! In our beautiful Carolinas, we have two main species to watch out for: the spotted and the striped skunks. While they may look adorable waddling around, they can pose a serious risk to our furry friends if they decide to spray.

What’s the Big Deal?

These little guys generally weigh between 1-4 pounds, but don’t let their size fool you. Their spray can be an absolutely **nasty surprise**! Skunks make their homes in South Carolina, especially in the Pee Dee, Midlands, and Upstate areas. If your pet gets a face full of skunk spray, the *smell* isn’t the only issue to worry about.

Signs Your Pet Might Have Had a Run-In

So, how can you tell if your furbaby has crossed paths with one of these funky fellows? Along with that unmistakable odor, watch out for some other signs:

• Rolling on the ground
• Rubbing their face
• Sneezing
• Temporary blindness

Some of these symptoms can show up right away, but others might take several hours or even days to appear. Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of lethargy, weakness, a change in urine color, or if their gums look pale or brown. These delayed symptoms can be serious, and it’s best to keep an eye on your pet if you suspect they’ve met a skunk!

What’s in That Funky Spray?

The reason skunk spray is so potent is due to a compound called thiols. It’s packed with sulfur molecules that create that horrible smell we all know (and try to avoid). But here’s the kicker — thiols can damage your pet’s red blood cells and may even lead to anemia. So, if your pet gets sprayed, it’s not just a smelly situation but potentially hazardous for their health!

How to Tackle the Smell

Thinking about just giving your pet a bath? Think again! Regular soap and water often make the smell worse. Here’s a tried-and-true method to get your pet back to smelling like themselves again:

Mix together:

• 4 cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 2 or 3 teaspoons of liquid dish soap

Now rub this mixture all over your pet and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then rinse, rinse, rinse! You might need to repeat the process a time or two, but this should help knock out that awful odor.

Check for Bites Too!

Finally, while you’re dealing with the aftermath of a skunk encounter, make sure your precious pet hasn’t been bitten! Skunks can carry rabies, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them and consult a vet if you think their health could be at risk.

Keep Your Pets Safe

Myrtle Beach, let’s stay smart and keep our pets safe from these little stinkers! Enjoy the beautiful autumn weather, but keep an eye out for skunks. Your furry friends will thank you!