If you've ever experienced the unfortunate event of your dog getting sprayed by a skunk, you know it can be one of the most distressing—and smelly—moments in pet ownership. Skunk spray has a powerful odor that lingers long after the initial shock, but don’t panic. With the right steps and a little patience, you can neutralize the smell and get your pup back to their lovable self in no time.
First, it's helpful to understand why skunks spray. Skunks have a natural defense mechanism that involves releasing a foul-smelling liquid from glands located near their tails. They typically only spray when they feel threatened or cornered, so if your dog startled or chased a skunk, that might explain what happened.
As soon as you realize your dog has been sprayed, take a deep breath. Skunk spray isn’t harmful to your dog, but it is definitely unpleasant. If the spray gets in your dog’s eyes, rinse them gently with cool water. The goal is to keep both you and your dog calm. Avoid getting too close to your dog’s face, as the spray tends to concentrate around the eyes and nose. Keep your dog outside to prevent the smell from lingering in your home.
It might be tempting to grab a hose or sink and wash your dog immediately, but water alone won’t do much to neutralize the smell. **DO NOT GET THEM WET WITH WATER**. Rinsing with water can spread the oils in the skunk spray and make things worse. The most common DIY mixture to neutralize the odor is as follows:
- 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap
Stir the mixture until the baking soda dissolves, then apply it to your dog’s fur, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and ears. Be sure to cover their chest, legs, and paws, and you can apply it with a sponge or cloth on the sprayed areas. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to help break down the oils. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide can bleach fur, so if your dog has light-colored fur, test the solution on a small area first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration. It might take a couple of tries with this homemade solution, so we recommend keeping Odorcide Skunk-Off on hand just in case. Odorcide Skunk-Off is a non-enzymatic formula that is safe for pets and people. You can apply directly on the dog's fur and and any items that got sprayed.
Once the smell is mostly gone, give your dog a bath. This will help remove any remaining residue and leave your dog feeling fresh. Use a basic shampoo to avoid mixing other scents with the skunk odor.
Skunk spray can stick to your dog's collar, leash, and bedding, so be sure to wash any items that might have come in contact with the spray. If your dog spends time indoors, airing out the room and cleaning any fabrics or surfaces will also help eliminate lingering scents.
With the right tools and a little patience, you can quickly get your pup smelling sweet again. Remember to stay calm, act quickly, and use the appropriate remedy to neutralize the smell. And next time your dog gets a little too curious about wildlife, keep your distance from the skunks!
