How to Remove Skunk Odor from a Dog

If your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, you know the stress of trying to get that undeniable stench out of their coat before the smell spreads throughout your home, or, more concerningly, harms your pet. To alleviate the stress you’re facing, our team wants to help protect your dog in the case of a skunk attack.

Learn more about the appropriate steps needed to remove skunk odor from your pet with our quick guide today!

What to Do If Your Dog Is Sprayed by a Skunk

In the event that your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, it is important to remain calm and act quickly. First, keep your dog outside and immediately check their eyes. Skunk spray can cause significant damage to the eyes if they are not properly cleaned after being sprayed.

If your furry friend has noticeable redness and irritation in and around their eyes, make sure to rinse the eyes thoroughly with cool and clean water before moving on to cleaning their fur. Once their eyes have been properly washed, it is time to move on to cleaning the rest of their body.

3 Dog-Friendly Solutions to Remove the Odor

When choosing the right solution to bathe your pet in after being sprayed, here are some key possibilities to consider.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide, Dish Soap, and Baking Soda

This is a classic home remedy that consists of everyday household items. When measuring out your de-skunking solution, the exact ingredients you will need to achieve the perfect mixture include:

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

Keep in mind that after making this homemade de-skunking remedy you should not store any leftover product for future use. The reason for this is because the mixture can expand over time, causing it to spill out of any surface you store it in.

2. Skunk-Specific Shampoos

Just like flea and tick medications for your pets, you should be able to find commercial treatments online designed to properly clean your furry friend. Depending on your preferences, there are plenty of choices for de-skunking shampoos for you to choose from.

You can get your de-skunking shampoo from popular dog supplies websites such as Chewy and Bodhi Dog. You can also find de-skunking shampoos at Walmart or online through Amazon.

3. Feminine Hygiene Products

We understand that there may be some instances where you’re not prepared for your dog to be sprayed by a skunk, and that is okay! If all else fails, you can try Massengill, a feminine hygiene powder that has been proven to remove skunk odor.

Though Massengill can be considered another solution for alleviating your dog of skunk odor, we also recommend that it only be used in emergency cases. Though it can solve your problem quickly, it may still cause further irritation to your pet. That is why it is important to always consult with your vet before using any products on your pet that were intended for humans.

What Not to Use – Tomato Juice

Though tomato juice is often believed to be the solution for removing the stench that comes from skunk spray, it is actually not the most effective choice to solve the issue.

Tomato juice may cause you to assume that the problem is solved due to its overwhelming scent, when, in reality, it only masks it and the scent will soon wear off, providing only a temporary solution to your problem. That is why we recommend one of the three options listed above to fully eliminate the smell.

Steps for Getting Rid of Your Dog’s Skunk Smell

Once you have checked to make sure there is no irritation in your furry friend’s eyes, chosen the remedy to clean your pet with, and set up your de-skunking station outside, it is now time to groom your dog!

Here is how we recommend you wash and clean your dog:

• Lather your dog from snout to tail in your dog-friendly de-skunking solution of choice, making sure to avoid getting the solution in their eyes
• Let the solution set on the fur for five minutes – hydrogen peroxide can bleach fur, so do not let it set longer than that!
• Thoroughly rinse your dog until all of the foam is off your pet’s fur

After you have completed these steps, make sure you wash your dog again with your regular dog shampoo. Once you can confirm that the skunk smell is gone, your furry friend should be free to enter your home!

FAQs About Dogs and Skunks

Why do skunks spray? 

Skunks spray as a way to defend themselves whenever they feel threatened. Dogs, being the curious creatures they are, tend to get too close to skunks. Before spraying, skunks may try to scare them off by hissing but dogs tend to miss those cues.

What are some signs that a dog was sprayed?

Dogs may react to being sprayed by rolling around on the ground, sneezing, vomiting, pawing at their face, and acting as if they have been blinded.

How long does skunk odor last?

It really depends on how fast you take action. If you don’t break down the oils quickly, the odor can stay on your dog for days or weeks.

How is a skunk bath different from a routine bath?

Skunk odor can’t be rinsed off with soap and water, and the odor will actually spread when in contact with water. That’s why it’s very important that in a skunk bath you don’t wet the dog prior to the skunk treatment.

How far can a skunk spray?

Skunks can spray approximately 10-15 feet, with some of the odorous mist reaching beyond 20 feet.

How to Avoid Having Your Dog Skunked in the Future

At Pet Palace, we understand the pressure that comes with making sure your dog is properly cleaned and taken care of after a skunk attack. That is why we want to help you eliminate the problem at the source to ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and safe!

Some of the tips and tricks that we recommend for doing so include the following:

• Leave a light on outside at night – Since skunks are nocturnal animals, keeping a light on at night can help deter them from entering your yard, ensuring that your pet is safe when you let them out. You can also invest in solar-powered lights for your yard to further protect against skunks.
• Consider automatic sprinklers – Just like installing lights throughout your yard, putting automatic sprinklers in your yard and turning them on at night is another way to keep unwanted visitors at bay.
• Always bring food and treats inside – Dog treats and food should not be left outside, as they can often attract unwanted animals, such as skunks, looking for a snack. So make sure to always bring your treats inside if you happen to take them outside with you!
• Practice good recall with your dog – Whether your dog is in your backyard or off-leash somewhere, you should ensure that they know their recall commands. This way, when you see a skunk nearby or can’t find your dog, you can call them to you quickly and hopefully avoid a skunk interaction.

Contact Our Team at Pet Palace Today!

If you have any additional questions about removing skunk odor from your pet or want to know more about our services, let our team of pet-loving experts answer them for you.

Contact us with any questions you have. We look forward to hearing from you!

Categories: Dogs, Pet Safety, Tips for Your Pets