So, your dog had an unexpected encounter with a skunk. Now you’re left wondering how to get that pungent skunk smell off your furry friend. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to effectively remove skunk spray from your dog’s coat, ensuring a fresh-smelling companion once again.
What You Need to Know About Skunk Spray
Skunks produce a potent spray in their anal glands as a defense mechanism against predators. This spray contains sulfurous chemicals called thiols, which are responsible for the infamous odor. When dogs get sprayed by skunks, they usually take a direct hit to the face.
Steps to Remove Skunk Smell from Your Dog
1. Check Your Dog’s Eyes
Start by checking your dog’s eyes for any signs of redness or irritation. If you notice any discomfort, immediately flush their eyes with cool water or a dog-safe veterinary eyewash. Keeping a dog-safe eyewash product handy is a great idea, especially if skunks are common in your area.
2. Remove Skunk Oil From Your Dog’s Coat
When it comes to bathing your skunk-sprayed dog, keep them outside the house to prevent the odor from lingering indoors. In the past, tomato juice was a common remedy, but its effectiveness was limited. Instead, we recommend using a top-rated skunk shampoo specifically formulated for dogs. Nowadays, there are numerous effective de-skunking products available in the market, as well as a simple DIY recipe you can whip up using common household ingredients.
3. DIY Skunk Shampoo Recipe
- 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (found at any pharmacy or supermarket)
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap
Wearing rubber gloves, thoroughly work this solution into your dog’s coat. Be cautious not to leave it on for too long, as peroxide can bleach the fur. Rinse your dog completely, and if necessary, repeat the process. If you don’t have these ingredients on hand, you can try diluting white vinegar with water, although it may not be as effective.
4. Shampoo Your Dog
After using the DIY mixture or a specialized skunk shampoo, give your dog a final shampoo with a regular dog shampoo to ensure any residual solution is removed. Rinse thoroughly as well.
5. Towel-Dry Your Dog
Once you’re done bathing your dog, gently towel-dry them with an absorbent dog towel. Allow your pet to finish drying in a warm room.
6. Wash Your Clothes
During the bathing process, if any skunk smell gets on your clothes, make sure to wash them in regular laundry detergent. Boost the cleaning power by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash or find a skunk odor remover specifically designed for washing machines.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- It’s important to use the DIY mixture immediately after mixing and not store it, as it can become volatile.
- Be careful to avoid getting any products, solutions, or shampoos in your dog’s eyes.
- Avoid leaving the mixture on your dog’s coat for an extended period, as peroxide may bleach their fur.
- Stick to a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to prevent skin irritation on your dog.
- Keep in mind that it may be challenging to completely eliminate the skunk odor, especially if your dog was sprayed directly in the face.
Short of training your dog to stay away from skunks, having these products, shampoos, and skunk odor removers on hand is your best defense against skunk spray mishaps.
For more information about pet grooming and care, visit Katten TrimSalon.