During the spring and summer months in Canada we see an abundance of wildlife. Deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, and depending where you live, black bears, elk, wolves, and so on. But two smaller critters have been known to create chaos on our domestic animals ‒ namely the skunk and the porcupine! Fortunately, for the most part neither encounter presents real danger to your horse, but it does present some strategic first aid for you.
Skunked!
Many dog owners have had to cope with a stinky hound that got a little too close to Pepe Le Pew, but horses, especially curious youngsters, can also get sprayed. The tell-tale sign is the horrible stench, the other is the yellow “oil” that the skunk emits to protect itself.
First step is to call your vet. Skunks are known carriers of rabies and your vet might suggest a rabies booster if you’re not already doing one every year, or even as a precaution. This is especially true if you can see signs of a bite! But even if you can’t, this is vitally important.