Is skunk spray harmful to dogs

[radtech_09]

Tonight while I was gone, my dog got sprayed in the mouth by a skunk.  When I got home he was foaming and drooling at the mouth.  I was wondering if skunk spray was harmful to dogs?  What do I need to do as far as care for him after giving him a bath?  Will the skunk spray hurt him in any way?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

It is only harmful in the allergic, immunosuppressed, and older dogs with upper respiratory problems such as COPD, but the damage is transitory.

[ireneo]

Most of the time the chemicals in skunk spray are just plain irritating. Once in awhile a pet or person can have an allergic reaction to it. I found I can deal with one skunk at a time but didn't so well with 8 young and angry skunks that were brought in in a garbage can. My asthma flared up.

Is your dog showing any signs of allergic reaction: swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing? If so, I do hope you've taken him to the vet by now.