FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] Turkey Vultures, Skunks, and Dogs

["Jack Litz" <wjlitz@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yesterday afternoon my wife observed several Turkey Vultures attacking a sick 
or injured Skunk in a neighbor's driveway.  They had pecked all the hair off 
its head.  Reminds me that in 1994, Vultures (species?), working in teams, in 
the middle Shenandoah Valley, were attacking small dogs by spreading their 
wings and fencing in the animal then moving in for the kill.  Lots of newspaper 
coverage.  There was concern that small children might be next, but evidently 
this avian behavior was transient.
Incidentally, my Boxer got a Skunk spray an hour or so before the observation.  
We have lots of Skunks and every six months or so she gets sprayed.  Normally 
it is when she gets let out about 5:00 AM, never before in the afternoon.  We 
are consulting the vet as to whether rabies virus can be carried in Skunk 
spray.  Transmission through saliva is the normal mechanism.  There is also the 
possibility that the dog bit or otherwise injured the Skunk.  There was no 
evidence of bites on the dog.  The dog has a current rabies vaccination.  I 
don't.

If may be of interest, that Pet Smart carries a product called "Nature's 
Miracle."  It comprises isopropyl alcohol and enzymes.  My experience is that 
rubbing it on full strength and letting it dry without bathing the dog, per 
directions, kills Skunk odor.  You can't do any good with baking soda, 
buttermilk, vinegar, peroxide, tomato juice, or any other substance you might 
have in the kitchen.  You can't wash bathe the dog and get rid of the smell.  I 
think sulfur compounds in the spray bond to the hair because even with Nature's 
miracle the smell returns when the dog gets wet and goes away when it dries.

Jack Litz



   
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