How to remove skunk odor

Mar 25, 2021 | Dogs | 0 comments

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “curiosity killed the cat”.  Unfortunately, for many dog owners “curiosity skunked the dog”.   These naturally curious canines oftentimes can’t resist getting into trouble.   When they do get skunked it is an unpleasant experience for everyone involved.  

Follow the steps below to get rid of the smell quickly and effectively.

First, assess the situation:

Check your pet’s eyes.  If they are red or irritated, take your dog to the veterinarian as skunk spray can potentially cause damage to the cornea.

If they are acting normally, keep your dog outside and act fast.  As the skunk spray dries it becomes more difficult to remove.

Second, make homemade skunk shampoo:

Mix together:

  • 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide 
  • ¼ cup of baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons of liquid dish detergent

CAUTION:  Do NOT get the solution in their eyes or mouth.  Do NOT store this mixture or make it ahead of time, as the mixture could explode if left in a bottle.

Third, how to remove the skunk smell:

You will want to wash your pet outdoors and use an old towel to dry them.  Scrub your dog with this solution and make sure to get all the way down to the skin.  If the face is involved, use a washcloth to carefully wash this area, and be sure to avoid the eyes and mouth.

*Do not let the dog soak for too long, as peroxide can discolor their coat (especially if the fur is dark brown or black). 

Last, rinse and repeat:

Rinse and repeat this process until the smell dissipates.  After the oils have been removed follow up with your pet’s regular shampoo, rinsing the coat thoroughly all the way down to the skin.  

Things you should know about skunks:

  • They can spray up to 15 feet away
  • They are not aggressive or dangerous and mean no harm to your pet
  • They cannot spray again for 10 days
  • They are most active in the evenings
  • They breed during mid-February to late March and are out and about during this time

Unfortunately, any de-skunking process may not completely rid the pet of the skunk odor, no matter how thoroughly you scrubbed or how quickly you attended to the clean up. Especially if your pet got sprayed in the face, which is a tough spot to de-skunk.  Be proactive and keep an eye out for skunks, especially after dark during warm weather.

Has your dog ever been skunked?  

If so, please comment with any successful treatment!