That Skunk Smell Is Coming From My Dog! De-Skunk Your Dog.
Last night wasn't the first time I received the phone call from my mom letting me know that her most loyal friend, a collie/shepherd mixed dog named Ace, was unlucky enough to have a close encounter with one of those roaming, smelly, black and white creatures known as a skunk.
Skunks are everywhere, in the country and in the city. As a dog owner, I am always knocking on wood and crossing my fingers that I will never have to deal with my pooch being "skunked". But if your dog does get sprayed, there are ways you can rid him of the unwelcome scent without having to use your entire ketchup or tomato juice supply doing it.
There are over the counter remedies such as Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor Remover, but if you aren't able to get your hands on one of those products, the Humane Society of the United States suggests doing this:
- 1
Keep your pooch outside!
While you prepare the de-skunking solution, keep your dog outside! This will prevent your dog from bringing the skunk scent inside. Also, check your dog's eyes. If they are irritated or red, immediately flush them with cool water.
- 2
Mix the ingredients for the de-skunking solution.
Mix together these ingredients: 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap. The mixture will begin to fizz, because of a chemical reaction that is occurring. Wearing rubber gloves, wash your dog with this mixture, as soon as you possibly can, making sure the mixture does not get into your dog's eyes. If you do not have these ingredients, you can use vinegar diluted with water. There is one important CAUTION, however. After you mix the de-skunking solution, DO NOT make the solution beforehand and store in a bottle. When stored, this mixture could explode if left over time.
- 3
Clean and rinse.
Do not wet the dog down before applying the solution. Rub the de-skunking solution through your dog's fur using a sponge or cloth. Allow the solution to remain on the dog for five minutes. (Longer if needed.) Be aware, however, that the peroxide might bleach the dog's fur. (Your dog's coat will not be platinum blond, just possibly a little lighter.) Rinse your dog thoroughly.
- 4
Shampoo
You may have to repeat steps 2 and 3 as necessary. Next, wash your dog with pet shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Hopefully by now, your dog should be de-skunked and smelling much better. And if by chance some of the skunk stink transferred to your clothes, launder your clothing using regular laundry detergent mixed with a half-cup of baking soda.
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