Dog sprayed by a skunk? Get the stink gone!

Dog sprayed by a skunk

Dog sprayed by a skunk? In this article, let’s discuss how to get rid of skunk smell on a dog quickly!

If your dog has had the unfortunate experience of getting sprayed by a skunk, you know how unpleasant that smell can be up close.

Not only is it a very offensive odor, but that smell gets on everything your dog comes into contact with. You’re blankets, the dog’s bed, and even your carpet can end up smelling like a skunk.

Once your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, the smell can linger for weeks, or even months.

If a skunk has ever sprayed in the vicinity of your home, you know the stench can infiltrate into your home, and be there for hours.

dog sprayed by a skunk

Was your dog sprayed by a skunk? How do you get rid of the smell?

When our German shorthaired pointer, Loki got sprayed last year, we had the best results from a mixture of peroxide, baking soda, and Dawn dish soap.

Above all, you’ll want to use this mixture as soon as possible after your dog has been sprayed for the best results.

If you can, it’s best to bathe your pet outside, (weather permitting of course) to avoid bringing the smell inside your home, and onto your furnishings.

get rid of skunk smell on a dog

De-Skunking Mixture

1 Quart of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

1/4 cup Baking Soda

1 teaspoons of Dawn dish soap

(Never make this mixture ahead of time, and don’t try to store this mixture)

Important: Only use 3% Hydrogen peroxide

This recipe is from the Humane Society.

The Process

  • Make sure you wear rubber gloves, or you may risk transferring the skunk odor onto your hands.
  • Begin by applying the mixture to your dogs dry coat. Wetting the dog before hand will make this less effective. Massage the mixture into the dogs dry coat.
  • USE CARE , AND AVOID GETTING THIS INTO YOUR DOGS EYES OR NOSE
  • Once you have rubbed the mixture thoroughly into your dog’s coat, wait a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
  • As a follow-up, you may need to repeat this process.

**This mixture may be drying to a dog’s skin and can also lighten or bleach a dog’s coat.**

Important Note: This will probably not rid your dog of skunk odor completely, but it should make it much less noticeable. If your dog gets wet, you may notice the skunk smell lingers for a couple of weeks.

Don’t want a homemade remedy?

A product is available called “Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover.”

dog sprayed by a skunk

If you choose to use this product, be sure to follow the manufacturers directions, and take care to avoid getting this product into your dogs eyes.

skunk smell on a dog

What not to do for skunk smell on a dog

Common wisdom used to be to give your dog a bath in tomato juice. I am not sure how this started, or where it came from, but In my experience, it just doesn’t work. It is a complete waste of time, and perfectly good tomato juice.

Is there help for carpet that has a skunk smell?

I have found unused, dry coffee grounds to be great at removing skunk odor from carpets.

Depending on how many carpets you need to treat, you may need to purchase several large cans of coffee grounds.

Sprinkle the dry coffee grounds liberally onto dry carpet. (do not wet the carpet or the coffee grounds.)

Close the room off to human and pet traffic, and let the coffee grounds sit undisturbed for three days.

At this point, vacuum up the coffee grounds. You should find that the majority of the skunk smell is gone.

**NOTE: Our carpet is dark grey, use caution with light colored carpet to avoid staining.

What about the rest of the house?

  • Place a bowl of vinegar in each room affected by the skunk smell. It helps neutralize odors.
  • Clean your floors with vinegar. (If safe for your type of flooring)
  • Wash all bedding that has been “skunked” and add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to help eliminate skunk smell.

Why do Skunks Spray at Night?

Skunks are nocturnal animals. Nocturnal animals sleep during the day, and come out at night to search for food. Since they are active at night, most dogs get sprayed in the evening hours.

Can I do Anything to Keep Skunks Away?

There are a few ways that you make your property less attractive to skunks.

  1. Make sure that your trash is secured, and can’t be accessed by animals.
  2. Never leave your pets dishes or any pet food outside.
  3. You can also try adding some motion activated lights. We use a solar light similar to this one, and love it.
  4. Block access to areas that skunk could make a home, such as under sheds, or decks.

Was your dog sprayed by a skunk?

Now that you know how to get rid of skunk smell on a dog, you will be ready if your dog has this unfavorable experience.

Looking for some more great pet ideas, check out our other blog articles! Click Here!

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