how to remove skunk smell from dog

Encountering a skunk can be a scary experience for any dog owner, especially in the summer when skunks are more active. I remember the first time my dog got sprayed by a skunk. The smell was so strong that it seemed to fill our whole house.

To get rid of the smell, you need to act quickly. You can use homemade remedies like a mix of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap or buy products like Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover. I think the homemade mix worked really well. Let’s Explore,

How to Remove Skunk Smell from Dog

To tackle this, start by washing your dog with a homemade solution of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish detergent.

This quick fix is often more effective than using tomato juice or other over-the-counter products like Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover. Apply the mixture carefully, ensuring it covers all areas where the skunk spray might have hit, and keep your dog safely away from areas where the odor might still cling. For persistent cases, seeking professional help might be necessary to fully rid your dog of the smell.

Symptoms of Skunk Exposure in Dogs

• Initial Signs: Sneezing, coughing, drooling
• Eye Irritation: Redness, watering
• Skin Reactions: Itching, redness, irritation
• Behavioral Changes: Agitation, distress
• Respiratory Issues: Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

Preparing to Clean Your Skunk-Sprayed Dog

When your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, preparation is key to managing the skunk odor effectively. Start by gathering essential supplies like 

• Old towels
• Large bowl of warm water
• Mild dog shampoo
• Gloves
• Face mask

Keep skunk products like:

• Skunk odor remover spray
• Skunk smell shampoos

During the cleaning process, it is crucial to use hand gloves and a face mask for your protection. Apply the DIY mixture to your dog’s coat, making sure to avoid the face, eyes, and dog’s ear. For these sensitive areas, use a damp cloth to clean around them gently. This approach ensures both your safety and effective treatment of your dog.

Steps To Take When Your Dog Gets Sprayed by a Skunk

Check Your Dog’s Eyes

After your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, it’s essential to immediately check the eyes. Skunk spray can make the eyes red and irritated, so flush them immediately with cool water. If you have a dog-safe eyewash product on hand, use it to soothe the irritation.

Be sure to cover the dog’s head and ears to prevent any skunk spray from getting into these areas. Keeping a damp cloth handy can help clean around the eyes and ears. If the irritation persists, consult your veterinary professional for further advice.

While treating your dog for skunk spray, it’s a good idea to also check for any other potential injuries, like a broken tooth, which could cause discomfort and may go unnoticed during the skunk ordeal.

Keep your dog outside.

It’s important to keep them outside to prevent the smell from spreading indoors. Skunk odor can quickly permeate your home, so having your dog stay in the garden, or another outdoor area is crucial. If the weather allows, use a garden hose to bathe your dog outside.

Prepare the area by removing items like bath rugs or shower curtains that can absorb the smell. Flush any irritated areas with cool water, and be sure to clean the eyes and ears thoroughly to reduce the odor. This approach helps contain the skunk spray and keeps your home free from the persistent smell.

Mix the Ingredients

• 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide (found at the pharmacy)
• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap

Shampoo

After applying the mixture to your dog’s fur, gently rub it in, ensuring it reaches all the areas affected by the skunk spray. Be cautious not to leave the solution on the fur for too long, as peroxide can act like bleach and potentially cause irritation.

Rinse the coat thoroughly with warm water to remove all the skunk odor and product residue. To ensure your pet is completely de-skunked, use a specialized pet shampoo or an odor-eliminating detergent like PureAyre® or Thornell K.O.E® if needed.

Cleaning

After washing, towel-dry your dog and let them rest in a warm, sunny room to prevent any residual odor from clinging to clothes or laundry. Ensure the drying area is well-ventilated to avoid the smell from sticking around. This helps to address any lingering smells and ensures your dog’s coat smells clean.

Wash Your Clothes

After your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, it’s important to wash your clothes thoroughly to remove any lingering skunk smell. During the bathing process, if your clothes have come into contact with the skunk odor, add 1/2 cup baking soda and laundry detergent to your wash.

This combination helps to neutralize the stink and ensure that your clothes come out smelling fresh. For extra effectiveness, boost your laundry detergent with a half-cup of baking soda to tackle stubborn odors and prevent the skunk smell from lingering.

Effective Homemade Remedies for Skunk Odor

To effectively remove skunk odor from your dog’s fur, you can use a homemade solution. According to Tufts University, a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap can be very effective. Simply apply the mixture to your dog’s fur, carefully avoiding the face, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Afterward, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Alternatively, you can use a blend of equal parts white vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Both of these homemade remedies help neutralize the smell and provide effective solutions for dealing with the odor at home.

Risks of Ignoring Skunk Spray on Your Dog

Leaving skunk spray on your dog can cause more than just a bad smell. The chemicals in the spray can irritate your dog’s skin, eyes, and even cause breathing problems. Some dogs, especially those with asthma, may have trouble breathing if the spray isn’t washed off quickly.

A study reported by Karen L. Zaks, Emmeline O. Tan, and Mary Anna Thrall in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2005, May 1;226(9):1516-8), skunk spray can occasionally cause serious health issues. A 5-year-old pit bull became very sick after being sprayed by a skunk. The dog became weak and had black poop.

The dog’s gums and urine also turned brown. After a few days, the dog became severely anemic, meaning it didn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around its body. The dog didn’t have any known allergies or poisonings, but it was outside the day before and came home smelling strongly of skunk.

Skunk spray contains chemicals called thiols, which are strong and can damage red blood cells. This case shows that while skunk spray is usually harmless apart from the smell, it can sometimes cause serious problems for dogs.

When to Get Veterinary Help

Suppose your dog has trouble breathing or coughing, or their eyes look red after being sprayed. In that case, you should immediately see a vet. Even if you use homemade remedies, sometimes you need professional help to make sure your dog is okay.

Even if you use homemade remedies or commercial products to clean, some situations may require professional tools and techniques. Acting quickly and following instructions precisely can help prevent further distress and reduce the risk of future encounters with skunks.

Tips for Avoiding Future Skunk Encounters

To reduce the risk of your dog getting sprayed by a skunk, always keep them on a leash during walks, especially at night when skunks are more active. Avoid letting your dog roam freely in the yard where skunks might be present.

Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to scare off skunks and make your yard less inviting. Make sure to discourage your dog from hunting or searching for food that might attract skunks. Keeping the area well-lit and utilizing skunk deterrent products can also help in keeping skunks away from your property.

Skunk Musk and Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs: A Study Overview

A recent study investigated the effects of skunk musk on red blood cells (RBCs) across different species, including dogs, to explore its potential role in causing oxidative damage. The study aimed to clarify whether skunk musk can induce oxidative damage similar to that observed in other animals exposed to this substance.

Objective

To determine if skunk musk induces oxidative hemoglobin damage in dogs’ RBCs in vitro.

Methodology:

• • Plasma and RBCs were collected from 3 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 Red Panda.
  • Skunk musk was dissolved in ethanol and mixed with plasma from each species.

RBCs were exposed to various concentrations of skunk musk and incubated for 4 to 72 hours.

Results

• Methemoglobin Formation: Dogs exhibited dose-dependent changes in color and absorption indicative of methemoglobin, starting at 4 hours and increasing over time.
• Heinz Bodies: The number of Heinz bodies (indicative of oxidative damage) increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner, becoming numerous by 24 hours.

The study confirmed that skunk musk causes oxidative damage to RBCs, including the formation of Heinz bodies and methemoglobin, in dogs and other species like cats and Red Pandas.This supports clinical findings that link skunk musk exposure to Heinz body hemolytic anemia in dogs.

Reference: Fierro, B. R., Agnew, D. W., Duncan, A. E., Lehner, A. F., & Scott, M. A. (2013). Skunk musk causes methemoglobin and Heinz body formation in vitro. Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 42(3), 291-300. Available at: Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

Final Thoughts 

To remove skunk smell from your dog, start by using a homemade mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. This effective solution helps neutralize the skunk odor and keeps your dog clean. For stubborn odors or severe cases, consider professional help to ensure your pet is thoroughly de-skunked.Act quickly to stop the smell from spreading into your home and to keep your dog safe and comfortable.

FAQ’s

What neutralizes skunk odor on a dog?

How long does it take for skunk smell to go away on a dog?

The skunk smell can linger for up to three weeks. The thiol in the skunk spray binds to proteins in your dog’s skin and fur, making it hard to remove once it dries. Therefore, it’s important to act quickly after a smelly encounter with a skunk.

What should I do if my dog gets sprayed by a skunk?

If your pet gets sprayed by a skunk, keep them outside while you are washing them, as the oils from the skunk’s spray can be tough to remove from fabric. If the spray gets in your dog’s eyes or mouth, seek immediate veterinary care. For dogs that are severely skunked, monitor them for signs like lethargy, weakness, and lack of appetite.

Will vinegar remove the skunk smell from dogs?

If you don’t have the ingredients needed, an old-time remedy is to use white vinegar diluted with water. This is an alternative option to help with the skunk smell.

Does tomato juice get rid of skunk smell?

Tomato juice does not destroy the skunk odor but can partially mask it. It doesn’t react chemically with the skunk smell, so it won’t make it completely go away or get rid of it effectively.