by Jessy Hudson

Created on: October 03, 2009

Skunks can make lovable and adorable pets. Most skunks will groom themselves, much like a cat, but will also require regular grooming in order to keep them at their best. Just like a dog or cat, these animals will need regular brushing, bathing and nail clipping.

Your pet's nails must be kept at an optimum length in order for them to be able to function properly. Never declaw your pet skunk, as they may have difficulty eating or even walking. If you begin trimming your pet's nails while they are young they will grow accustomed to it, which will make the process go more smoothly for both pet and owner. Your skunk's nails should be clipped every few weeks to be sure they are at the proper length. This can be done just as you would for a cat or dog, but be sure to not cut the "quick", the nerve inside the nail. This will cause bleeding and greatly stress your pet. If the quick is accidentally cut, a styptic powder can be applied to stop the bleeding.

At times, especially during dry weather, the pads of your skunk's feet may become scaly or cracked. Applying a non-toxic lotion or ointment, which can help to heal and soften the pads, can easily treat this condition.

A skunk's coat can be brushed whenever you like or when it seems necessary for aesthetic reasons, but skunks will only need an in-depth brushing during the shedding seasons. Skunks shed their coat twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. This usually lasts a shorter time than it does for a cat or dog, and less fur is lost during the process.

Your pet skunk should only need to be bathed between two and six times a year. Since most skunks groom themselves, they tend to be rather clean creatures. If you do decide to bathe your skunk, you should begin doing so at a young age. This will make the bathing process less stressful for your pet. After placing your skunk in a bathtub or sink filled with warm water, you may want to rub some damp cornmeal into your pet's fur. This can help remove oils and residue. This should then be rinsed out of the coat with a spray attachment. You will want to avoid placing your skunk directly under the running faucet, as it may frighten them. Be sure to avoid getting water into your pet's eyes. Once the cornmeal is rinsed out, you can shampoo your skunk with a gentle ferret shampoo. Only a small amount should be needed. Be sure to rinse out all of the shampoo out of your pet's fur, to ensure that your pet does not ingest any of it while grooming itself later. Once the bath is over, dry your pet with a towel or a blow dryer set on a low setting and placed at least a foot away from the animal. Your pet should be dried quickly to avoid them getting chilled.

After bathing your skunk, you may notice them smelling a bit stronger than usual. This is because of natural oils being removed from the fur, and should stop once these oils have a chance to return to the fur. If you notice your pet getting dry or flaky skin, you may be bathing him or her too often.

Regular grooming is important to the well-being and health of your skunk. With some time and attention, your pet will be looking and feeling great for years to come.

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