Yorkie Won't Open His Eyes After a Skunk Spray and Grooming
Reader Question
My 3yr old Yorkie was sprayed by a skunk two days ago. We bathed him in a hydrogin peroxide and baking soda bath and brought him to the groomers to be "de-skunked the next day. When I picked him up his hair was very short (which is okay) and he would not open his eyes. I called the vet and they said that it could be the skunk oil and to wash his eyes with a saline solution and if there was no improvement to bring him in. I have notice a small improvement but am very worried. Has anyone ever had this happen to there dog? Could it really be from the skunk, or is it an allergice reaction? He is otherwise fine.
Answer from Our Team
Skunk spray is very irritating to the eyes, and hydrogen peroxide or grooming products that get into the eyes can make it worse. Rinsing with plain sterile saline was a good step. But a dog that keeps his eyes shut is in pain, and chemical irritation can scratch or burn the cornea.
If his eyes aren't clearly better within a few hours, please have them checked with a stain test to look for a corneal ulcer.
See dog eye infections and eye ulcers in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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