How to Get Rid of the Skunk Smell on Dogs

A surprise run-in with a skunk is a surefire way to ruin any dog owner’s day. Read on to learn how to get rid of the skunk smell on a dog and discover ways to prevent stinky nocturnal run-ins from occurring in the first place.

What Is the Skunk Smell?

Skunk spray gets its infamous smell from an organic compound called thiol. This compound contains high levels of sulfur, a chemical element with a putrid odour akin to rotten eggs. The thiol in skunk spray is so powerful that humans can smell it up to half a mile away.

Skunks produce this pungent liquid in their anal glands and can shoot it up to fifteen feet away. After a single spray, it takes the animal up to ten days to refill its glands with liquid. If you and your dog stumble upon a skunk, there’s a chance it might be depleted of spray. Nevertheless, keeping a safe distance is always wise to avoid encounters.

How Long Does the Skunk Smell Last on a Dog?

The scent can linger for up to three weeks if a skunk sprays your dog. The thiol in the liquid binds to proteins in your dog’s skin and fur, making it difficult to remove from their coat once it dries, so it’s vital to act quickly in case of a smelly encounter between your dog and a skunk.

How to Get Rid of the Skunk Smell on a Dog

The old trick of giving your dog a tomato juice bath to remove the skunk smell isn’t effective. It only masks the odour rather than removing it. Follow these steps to effectively remove the skunk smell from your dog.

Act Quickly

The faster you act, the less skunk oil takes to dry and set into your dog’s coat.

Set Up Your De-Skunking Station

Set up your de-skunking station outside your house to protect your home from the unpleasant odour. Tie your dog up securely outside the house while you gather cleaning supplies.

Check Your Dog’s Eyes for Irritation

Examine your puppy to see if any skunk spray hit them in the eyes. Promptly rinse their eyes with cool water or a dog-safe eyewash solution if you notice redness or signs of irritation.

Choose Your Deodorizer

If you have a commercial skunk odour remover or skunk shampoo, follow the directions on the product label. For a safe DIY home remedy, gather the following ingredients: one teaspoon of mild dishwashing soap, one-quarter cup of baking soda, and a quart of three percent hydrogen peroxide solution (any higher than three percent may burn your dog’s skin).

Mix the Ingredients in a Bucket

Mix the liquid soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide in a bucket. Prepare this homemade skunk odour remover the same day you intend to use it because it might explode if left in a closed container. Prepare the solution fresh and discard it immediately after use.

Wash Your Dog Carefully

Wear rubber gloves and carefully wash your dog with the deodorizing solution. Use a washcloth to gently lather and massage the cleaning solution into the coat. Be extra cautious to avoid getting the solution into your pup’s eyes.

Let the Cleaning Solution Sit

Hydrogen peroxide can bleach your dog’s fur, so pet owners with dark-haired pooches may consider letting the solution sit for less time (though less time means some skunk oil might linger on the dog).

Rinse Your Dog

Using warm water, thoroughly rinse the cleaning solution off your dog.

Wash Again Using Standard Dog Shampoo

To ensure you’ve removed all traces of the cleaning solution from your dog’s coat, wash and rinse your canine friend once again using their regular pet shampoo. Finish the process with a thorough towel-dry.

Test to See if the Process Worked

Give your dog a quick sniff to confirm the successful cleaning process. If the skunk smell lingers, you may need to take your pup to a professional groomer. If you get some skunk smell on your clothes during cleaning, wash them with laundry detergent and a half-cup of baking soda.

How to Prevent Skunking

Dog owners can take some preventative measures to decrease the chance of a skunk spraying their canine companion.

Leave Your Outdoor Lights On

Skunks are crepuscular animals, meaning you’ll often find them outside during twilight hours, moonlit nights, or overcast days. To deter them from entering your yard, leave on your outdoor lights or purchase an automatic light that turns on when it senses motion.

Make a DIY Skunk Deterrent

Surrounding your property with mothballs, citrus peels, or ammonia-soaked rags can deter skunks from lurking around your house. Place the deterrent where your dog cannot access and eat it.

Remove Potential Food Sources

Skunks enjoy scavenging for food, so eliminate any potential edible treats around your home that may attract them. Remember to place lids on your trash bins, pick up fallen fruit lying on the ground, remove berry bushes, and bring your dog’s food dishes indoors.

Watch Your Dog at Night

Nocturnal skunks find ways to enter fenced-in areas sneakily, so think twice about letting your dog out alone in your enclosed yard at night. During the evening, accompany them outside and closely watch their activity. When you bring your puppy on hiking trails, keep them on a leash to prevent them from wandering into a skunk’s path.

Conclusion

A skunk encounter is an unpleasant experience for both you and your dog. By acting quickly and following the outlined steps, you can effectively remove the skunk smell from your dog and prevent future incidents. Always be vigilant and take preventive measures to protect your furry friend from skunks.

FAQs

Q: Can I use human shampoo to wash my dog after a skunk spray?
A: It’s best to use dog shampoo, as human shampoos can be too harsh for your dog’s skin.

Q: How often can I use the hydrogen peroxide solution on my dog?
A: Use the hydrogen peroxide solution sparingly. If the smell persists, consult a professional groomer rather than repeating the process too frequently.

Q: Are there any commercial products that remove skunk odour?
A: Yes, several commercial skunk odour removers are available that are specifically formulated to eliminate skunk smells from pets.

Q: Is it safe to leave my dog outside overnight?
A: It’s safer to bring your dog indoors at night to prevent encounters with skunks and other wildlife.

Q: What should I do if my dog gets skunked repeatedly?
A: If your dog frequently encounters skunks, consider reinforcing your yard’s fence, using skunk deterrents, and supervising your dog closely during times when skunks are most active.