Like every morning, I put my dogs outside for their daily ritual. Something caught me by surprise, that eminent smell that we all know too well….Skunk!!! I immediately called them over to me and put their leashes on in case one happened to spot it and go chase after it. We all know how that would work out! As a dog owner if you have never experienced the awful smell once your dog gets sprayed by a skunk you will be in for quite a surprise. I have had many dogs in my life and yes, this has happened to me more than once. I remember years ago my son opening the basement door and our dog came running up the stairs, through the main level, and then up one more flight of stairs…he managed to stink up the whole house.
Skunks live all over the place, and if your dog gets curious about one, she may end up with a face full of stink. If your dog gets sprayed, there are ways you can rid her of the scent without having to buy up every can of tomato juice in the area. Believe me; I have done this in the past.
Over-the-counter products (such as Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover) are a quick fix, but if you don’t have that on hand, you can prep the solution below.
Step 1: Keep Fido outside
You’ll probably want to keep your dog outside while you get it together so she doesn’t carry the smell indoors. Check her eyes; if they’re irritated or red, immediately flush them with cool water.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Mix together:
- 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide (available at any pharmacy)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap
Wearing rubber gloves wash your dog with this solution immediately after she’s been sprayed. DO NOT get the solution in her eyes. (If you don’t have peroxide, baking soda, and liquid soap on hand, use vinegar diluted with water.)
Caution: Do NOT store this mixture or make it ahead of time, as the mixture could explode if left in a bottle.
Step 3: Clean and rinse
Rub the mixture through her fur, but don’t leave it on too long (peroxide can bleach fur). Rinse her thoroughly.
Step 4: Shampoo
Next, wash your dog with pet shampoo and rinse thoroughly. By now, she should be de-skunked and smelling sweet. Thoroughly towel-dry your dog, and be sure to place her in a warm, sunny room for the next couple of hours so that she doesn’t get chilled.
Owner cleanup
If your dog rubbed some of the stink onto you, you can rid your clothes of the smell by using regular laundry soap mixed with a half-cup of baking soda.
Remember, before opening that door too quickly try and take a moment to “smell the air”, it may save you and your dog a lot of heartache.
