Skunks are gentle creatures who thrive in urban and suburban settings. But if your dog gets curious about one, they may end up with a face full of stink. If your pooch gets sprayed, there are ways you can rid them of the scent, effectively "de-skunking" your dog.
Over-the-counter products (such as Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor Remover) are a quick fix, but if you don't have that on hand, you can prep the solution below.
Step 1: Keep your dog outside
You'll probably want to keep your dog outside while you get your de-skunking preparations together so they don't carry the smell indoors. Check their eyes; if they're irritated or red, immediately flush them with cool water.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
Mix together:
- 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide (available at any pharmacy)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap
Wearing rubber gloves, wash your dog with this solution immediately after they've been sprayed. DO NOT get the solution in their eyes. (If you don't have peroxide, baking soda and liquid soap on hand, use vinegar diluted with water.)
Caution: Do NOT store this mixture or make it ahead of time, as the mixture could explode if left in a bottle.
Step 3: Clean and rinse
Rub the de-skunking mixture through their fur, but don't leave it on too long (peroxide can bleach fur). Rinse your dog thoroughly.
Step 4: Shampoo
Next, wash your dog with pet shampoo and rinse thoroughly. By now, they should be de-skunked and smelling sweet. Thoroughly towel-dry your dog, and be sure to place them in a warm, sunny room for the next couple of hours so that they don't get chilled.
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Owner cleanup: De-skunk yourself, too!
If your dog rubbed some of the stink onto you, you can rid your clothes of the smell by using regular laundry detergent mixed with a half-cup of baking soda.
Frequently Asked Questions
To remove skunk smell from clothes, first, avoid using hot water, which can set the odor. Instead, pretreat the affected area with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, then wash the clothes in cold water with a strong detergent. Air-dry the clothes outside, as heat from a dryer can also set the smell.
To remove skunk smell from skin, try washing with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Avoid using regular soap, as it can make the odor worse. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary, and follow up with a moisturizing lotion to prevent dryness.
To get rid of skunk smell in your house, ventilate the area by opening windows and using fans. Place bowls of vinegar or activated charcoal around the house to absorb the odor. You can also try boiling a pot of vinegar on the stove to help neutralize the smell.
While skunk spray is unpleasant, it's not typically lethal to dogs. However, the spray can cause temporary blindness, nausea and irritation. In rare cases, a dog may have an allergic reaction to the spray, which could be serious.
Skunk smell will eventually fade on its own on a dog, but it can take several weeks or even months. The odor is caused by oils in the skunk spray that cling to the dog's fur. Bathing your dog with a specialized skunk odor remover or a homemade solution can significantly speed up the process.
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