How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Dog: A Simple 9-Step Guide

My Neighbor’s Dog Got Skunked: How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Dog

When I let my dog outside, I heard a commotion coming from next door. Curious, I walked over and found my neighbor hosing down her Golden Retriever, Ansel, after a run-in with a skunk.

The skunk odor was unmistakable, and my neighbor was understandably upset. She asked, “What should I do?” Here’s what I recommended:

• Stay calm and gather necessary supplies to remove the skunk smell.
• Keep the dog outside to contain the odor.
• Avoid using tomato juice, as studies show it doesn’t effectively remove skunk spray.

This approach ensures that the story remains engaging but concise, while also presenting actionable steps. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments!

Iffy Remedies for How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Dog

You might come across commercial skunk odor removers, such as Doggiekleen and Skunk Off, in stores or online. However, these products often receive mixed reviews and may not be helpful when you need them most—especially since skunks are nocturnal, and most sprays occur at night.

Tomato juice is an age-old remedy, but many studies advise against using it for the following reasons:

• It doesn’t effectively remove the skunk smell.
• It leaves a lingering tomato odor.
• It may attract insects and ants if not fully rinsed.
• If your pet shakes off during or after the application, your bathroom could turn into a mess.

A Remedy That Works for How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Dog

Chemist Paul Krebaum created an effective solution for how to get rid of skunk smell on dog fur. This remedy uses simple ingredients that you can likely find at home:

• 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide (new, unopened bottle)
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 1–2 teaspoons liquid soap (Dawn is recommended for its grease-cutting properties)
• Latex gloves

Make sure to prepare the mixture in an open container—never use a closed container or store the solution, as there’s a strong risk of explosion. Only make the solution when you’re ready to apply it to your dog’s fur.

The Importance of Quick Action After a Dog is Sprayed by a Skunk

Quick action is essential when figuring out how to get rid of skunk smell on dog fur. The longer the skunk oil stays on, the deeper it seeps into your dog’s coat, making the odor harder to remove. Here’s why quick action matters:

• Prevent deeper absorption: The oil from skunk spray can become more difficult to remove the longer it sits on your dog’s fur.
• Minimize health risks: Acting fast can reduce the chance of respiratory or skin irritation for your pet.
• Contain the smell: Quick intervention helps keep the skunk odor from spreading to other areas in your home.

Always keep skunk odor-removal supplies on hand, especially if you live in a high-risk area.

9 Steps to De-Skunk Your Pet: How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Dog

Don’t wait too long to act. The longer the skunk spray stays on your dog, the more time it has to dry and seep further into the fur. Here’s how to get rid of skunk smell on your dog in 9 steps:

• Contain the stink: If your pet is outdoors, keep them there. If indoors, move them to a bathroom immediately, avoiding contact with any furnishings.
• Wear clothes you don’t mind ruining.
• Soak up the spray: Use paper towels to absorb as much of the skunk spray as possible. Wipe only the affected areas to avoid spreading the oil.
• Mix the solution in an open container—never use a closed container.
• If your pet’s fabric collar was also sprayed, leave it on during the bath.
• Apply the mixture directly to the affected area, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes. If your pet has long fur, trimming it may help remove the smell.
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wash with regular pet shampoo (learn more about giving your dog a bath). Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Pour any remaining solution down the drain. Do not store any leftover mixture.
• If the skunk spray hit your dog’s face, flush the eyes with a saline solution. Apply mineral oil to protect the eyes from irritation during the bath. Afterward, flush the eyes again with saline and wipe the nostrils and mouth with paper towels or cotton balls soaked in saline.

Milk can also help treat your pet’s eyes and face after skunk spray exposure.

Preventing Skunk Encounters: Tips for Dog Owners

The best way to deal with skunk smell is to prevent the encounter in the first place. Follow these tips to avoid future incidents:

• Supervise your dog outside: Keep an eye on your dog, especially at dawn, dusk, and nighttime when skunks are most active.
• Secure your yard: Make sure fences are intact and block any potential burrowing areas where skunks may enter.
• Avoid attracting skunks: Don’t leave pet food or trash outside, as these can attract skunks into your yard.

Taking preventive measures can save you from constantly figuring out how to get rid of skunk smell on your dog.

Emergency Alternatives for How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Dog

If you’re unable to make the recommended solution, these alternative remedies can help temporarily reduce the skunk odor on your dog:

• Douche: Works as a temporary solution to neutralize the smell.
• Apple cider vinegar: You can use this as a substitute for hydrogen peroxide in the solution.
• Peppermint mouthwash: The minty scent helps mask the skunk odor.
• Quart of beer: The yeast cultures may help break down the skunk oil on your dog’s fur.
• Vanilla extract: Adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract can leave a more pleasant scent after treatment.

While these options may not be as effective as the original solution, they can provide temporary relief until you can properly treat your pet.

Medical Concerns After Skunk Spray: How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Dog Safely

Skunks can carry rabies, which is a serious concern for your pet. Here’s what to watch for:

• Rabies risk: If your dog has a bite, scratch, or shows signs like foaming/drooling at the mouth, get them to a vet immediately (carry rabies).
• Vaccinations: Always keep your dog’s vaccinations current. Check their records for the date of their last rabies shot.
• Small dogs’ risk: Smaller dogs may be at higher risk for medical issues if too much skunk spray enters their respiratory system. Use the recommended cleaning solution and visit the vet as soon as possible (additional medical trouble).

By following these steps, you can address how to get rid of skunk smell on your dog while ensuring their safety from health risks.

Check out this story of skunk spray removal:

Potential Health Risks for Dogs After Skunk Spray Exposure

Skunk spray doesn’t just cause an unpleasant odor; it can also pose potential health risks to your dog. In addition to knowing how to get rid of skunk smell on your dog, it’s important to be aware of these risks:

• Respiratory issues: Small dogs or those that inhale too much skunk spray may experience breathing difficulties.
• Eye irritation: Skunk spray can cause significant irritation to your dog’s eyes, leading to redness, swelling, or even temporary blindness.
• Nausea and vomiting: Ingesting skunk spray while licking fur can cause nausea and vomiting.

Seek veterinary care if any of these symptoms occur after exposure.

Household and Clothing Issues After Skunk Spray: How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Dog and Around the Home

After dealing with how to get rid of skunk smell on your dog, it’s important to address any clothing, towels, or household items that have been affected. Here’s what to do:

• Wash affected items: Clothes, towels, or other cotton materials should be washed as soon as possible. Add vinegar and baking soda to the wash to help remove the lingering odor.
• Neutralize odors in your home: Boil vinegar and water, or place vanilla extract-soaked cotton balls in bowls around odor-affected rooms. Bowls of bleach can also work, but this method can be dangerous to kids and pets (dangerous to kids and pets).
• Check for skunks outside: Look for signs of burrowing or nesting areas around your home. If you find any, place mothballs in and around the area to deter skunks, making sure they stay in place.
• Prepare for the future: If your pet hasn’t been skunked yet but you live in an area where it’s a possibility, be sure to bookmark this page for quick reference.

How to Protect Your Home from Skunk Odor After an Incident

After dealing with how to get rid of skunk smell on your dog, you’ll also need to address the lingering odor in your home. Here’s how to protect your space:

• Ventilate: Open windows and doors to help air out the rooms affected by the skunk smell.
• Neutralize odors: Use vinegar, baking soda, or vanilla extract-soaked cotton balls in affected areas to neutralize odors.
• Clean surfaces thoroughly: If your dog entered the house after being sprayed, clean any surfaces they came into contact with immediately to prevent the odor from settling in.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your home remains odor-free after a skunk spray incident.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References