Spring, Pollen and Skunks - Oh My!
Ahhhhhhhhhh,
springtime in Dixie. Or shall I say
ARGH*(&%^%%$! The flowering trees,
shrubbery and flowers are about six weeks early and are breathtaking this time
of the year. Literally—breath taking
(cough-cough). The pollen counts in our
area have been in the red (high) since about the beginning of February. I believe we are in for a lonnnnggggggg hot
summer. Our pets also suffer from these
allergies and they don’t even have to go outside to be affected. Cats and dogs suffer with hot spots, uncontrollable
itching etc. To help prevent problems
for our fur babies as well as ourselves, you should wash all exposed skin as
soon as you come indoors. If your dog
suffers, It may help if you take a damp cloth and go over their fur and feet to
help minimize the effects. Don’t pet
your cats or dogs until you do so. Even
though you may want to open windows to let in fresh air remember you are also
leaving in tons of pollen. Before living
in the loft downtown; we had a clothes line and we loved the scent of freshly
laundered bed linens, towels and clothing dried outside. Then I realized it was causing all kinds of
health issues.
Warm
weather also brings out critters such as the black-and-white kitties of the
world aka SKUNKS! Living in the suburbs
does not protect you from skunks. The
Crestwood area is renovating their park and they tore down a bunch of trees and
undergrowth that were home to a host of snakes, raccoons, opossums and yep, the
dreaded SKUNK. I noticed a dead baby
skunk on a side street in Crestwood about early February so beware! The editor of Pet Sitters International
magazine, Ellen Price warns us of such perils and she swears by the recipe to
deskunk your pet.
1 quart Hydrogen Peroxide
¼ cup Baking Soda
2 tablespoons of Dishwashing Liquid
Mix all ingredients together and use immediately, as the mixture
doesn’t keep. Sponge the solution over
the pet, avoiding eyes, nose and ears.
Use an eye lube or mineral oil to protect eyes and nose if needed. Let the solution soak on the fur for 5 to 10
minutes then rinse with warm water.
Repeat if necessary and follow with regular shampoo if desired.
Happy Spring and keep well!
