Skunk Encounter? Learn How to Remove the Skunk Smell from Your Dog

Dogs love to sniff their surroundings, but sometimes their curiosity gets the best of them, and they get too close to a skunk. The result is a spray with a putrid, unmistakable odor. What’s an owner to do when facing this stinky situation? There are several methods out there for how to remove skunk smell from your dog, but these are both easy and inexpensive.

Why You Should Wash Your Dog Immediately

Getting your dog cleaned off as soon as possible is a good idea. That’s because skunk smell can hang around and last for weeks or even months. You’ll also want to check your dog’s eyes right away and ensure they weren’t sprayed. If they were, rinse their eyes with cool water or a canine eye wash immediately.

Here’s Why Tomato Juice Doesn’t Work To Remove Skunk Smell

There are many rumored methods out there for how to remove the skunk smell from your dog, but here’s one that doesn’t work: tomato juice. You probably have heard that dousing your dog with it will neutralize skunk odor. Sorry, it’s just a myth. The truth is tomato juice doesn’t remove the skunk smell from your dog. It will temporarily mask the sulfur scent, but it can’t break it down and remove it.

Make Your Own Skunk Dog Wash

If you don’t want to run out to buy one of the various de-skunking shampoos available in stores, make your dog wash at home with some simple ingredients. Gather these items together: 

• 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap (Dawn is a popular brand)

After mixing these ingredients into a shampoo, wear gloves while washing your dog. Ideally, you should wash them outside to avoid possible skunk odor entering the house. You also may need more or less of the solution based on the size of your pet. Finally, be careful about leaving the solution on too long, as hydrogen peroxide can bleach your pup’s fur. Instead, shampoo multiple times if your dog needs it. This DIY wash is also great to use on the clothes you wear while cleaning your dog.

Other Methods To Try To Remove The Skunk Smell

Apple cider vinegar is another effective way to get the skunk smell out. Mix up two parts water to one part vinegar, based on the size of your dog.  Massage the solution into your pup’s already wet fur, and let sit for around five minutes, then rinse your pet thoroughly.

Keeping Skunks Away

It’s not easy to keep skunks away from your dog and likewise, but there are a few things you can do so your dog isn’t sprayed. Skunks usually are active around dawn and dusk, so don’t let your dog out at that time or keep them on a short leash. Turn on lights in your yard and make some noise, as this also keeps skunks away.

While removing the skunk smell from your dog isn’t exactly fun, don’t panic. With these tips, your pup can be smelling fresh and clean before you know it!