You open the door to let your dog out for a quick bathroom break, and a few minutes later they come racing back—wide-eyed, tail tucked, and absolutely stinking. One sniff and you know exactly what happened: they got sprayed by a skunk. Now what?
Unfortunately, skunk spray is a common issue for dog owners, especially in warmer months. The good news? You can get rid of the smell (without resorting to tomato juice). Here’s what to do if your furry friend is sprayed by a skunk.
Stay Calm and Act Fast
First things first: don’t panic. Yes, the smell is awful and incredibly strong, but it’s not permanent. The faster you act, the better the results. Most importantly, keep your dog outside! Bringing them indoors right away will only spread the smell to your furniture, carpets, and walls. Instead, contain them outside while you gather your clean-up supplies.
Check for Signs of Irritation or Injury
Skunk spray can cause temporary irritation, especially if your dog took a direct hit to the face. If you notice your dog squinting, pawing at their eyes, or their eyes look red and watery, they’ve likely been sprayed near their face. You might also notice your pup excessively sneezing, rubbing their face, drooling, or licking their mouth.
As soon as you notice Fido has been sprayed by a skunk, gently flush their eyes with lukewarm water or a dog-safe eye rinse. If they were sprayed around the mouth, rinsing the area with plain water can also help. And if the irritation doesn’t clear up quickly, call your vet to rule out anything more serious.
DIY Skunk Odor Removal Solution
Think twice before you reach for the tomato juice! This is a common, outdated myth. Tomato juice only masks the smell instead of neutralizing it, meaning you’ll be left with a red-stained dog that’s still smelly. Instead, try this DIY skunk odor remover:
Ingredients
- 1 quart (4 cups) of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- ¼ cup of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients in an open container
- Put on gloves to prevent the smell from transferring to your hands
- Wet your dog’s coat and apply the solution, avoiding their eyes and mouth
- Lather well and let it sit for 5 minutes (no longer, as it can lighten fur)
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Towel dry your dog or let them air-dry outside
- Repeat if needed, and follow up with a regular dog shampoo for extra freshness
Repeat the wash process or use an enzyme-based pet deodorizer if any lingering smell remains.
Clean Your Home and Surroundings
If your dog darted inside before you could stop them, you might be dealing with more than just a stinky pup. Don’t panic, you can still eliminate the odor! To tackle the smell indoors, start by opening windows to air out the space. For fabrics like couches, rugs, or dog beds, a vinegar and water spray can help neutralize odors. Then, run a load of laundry with any washable items that were affected. Add baking soda or an enzyme-based odor remover to the washing machine to thoroughly remove the skunk spray.
Preventing Future Skunk Encounters
After all that, the last thing you want is a repeat performance. Try keeping your dog on a leash for nighttime potty breaks, and make sure your trash cans are sealed tightly. Avoid leaving food outside (including pet food), and consider motion-activated lights to discourage skunks from wandering into your yard. You can also teach your dog the “leave it” command to stop them in their tracks the next time they’re curious about wildlife.
Dealing with skunk spray isn’t fun, but with the right steps, it’s completely manageable. Keep these supplies on hand, and you’ll be ready if your pup ever has another run-in. Next time your dog bolts after a critter in the yard, let’s hope it’s just a squirrel!
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