Skunk Smell Removal – What to do if your dog was sprayed by skunks

Help, my dog was sprayed by a skunk!

Most likely if you’re reading this post your dog has just recently been sprayed by a skunk, or there was a skunk incident in the past and you want to be prepared for the future, so let me cut to the chase. Below is a “recipe” for a skunk smell removal remedy that you can make with items around the house. All you’ll need is some hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and Dawn dish soap. Use this skunk neutralizing wash on your dog in the proportions mentioned below and let it sit on their fur for 20 minutes or so.

I used this shampoo when my dog was sprayed, and while I don’t claim it to be any type of magic potion that completely gets rid of skunk smell, it did cut down significantly on the odor and was effective in removing the oils from his skin.

Skunk Smell Removal Shampoo

Ingredients:
1 Quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
1/4 Cup Baking Soda
1 tsp Dawn Dish Soap

Directions:
Shampoo pet, let bubble for 20 minutes.
Rinse well, repeat once more if necessary.

Warning: This skunk spray mixture can be explosive, so mix it in an open container such as a large bucket. If you do not use all of the solution be sure to discard it. Keep the shampoo away from your dog’s eyes, nose and mouth.

A few other tips to make your life easier following a skunk spray incident with your dog:

Act quickly.
Once the oils have dried it is much, much harder to get rid of the skunk smell.

If your dog has been skunked, do not let them into the house immediately.
Why? Because the spray that skunks emit is actually more like an oil, and if your pet comes into the house with the oil on their fur it can be easily transferred onto items in your house. If you like your carpet or couch to not smell putrid you’ll take my advice on this and handle your dog’s skunk issue outside. Your best bet is to wash them outside to remove the excess oils, allowing them to come inside only to areas where you have laid old blankets/sheets you wouldn’t mind parting ways with in a few days.

Time is your friend.
While the skunk off recipe mentioned above is a good way to remove most of the excess skunk oils, it is not going to rid your dog 100% of the smell. Over time the scent will fade, although you’re more likely to smell it again during baths and/or when your dog is wet for at least a few months following the spraying.

Do a spot check before you shampoo to see if there are areas with high concentrations of oils.

The skunk may have sprayed your dog in one specific area, and it will be easier to shampoo your dog if you can remove some of this excess oil first. The best way to remove skunk spray sitting on the surface of the coat is to use a heavy duty paper towel (you may also use a regular towel if you have some you’ll never, ever want to use again) and soak up the oils.

Will my dog get sick from being sprayed by a skunk?
Your dog may experience some side effects from being sprayed depending on how close they were to the skunk. All of these side effects including distorted vision, tearing of the eyes, excessive salivation, and decreased taste/smell are temporary. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is exhibiting any signs of poor appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea after being sprayed.