The smell of skunk is probably the most intense smell your dog can come across. Also, if the smell is particularly unpleasant for you, thank God you don't have a sensitive nose like Fido's! Although there are several home remedies that have been handed down desperately for generations, most only temporarily cover up the smell. For best results, use a dog-specific enzyme product, or make a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and soap.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Commercial Products
Step 1. Use this method for better results
Home remedies for cleaning can be excellent and inexpensive solutions to many problems. However, the smell of skunk is one of the strongest and most stubborn smells you will ever smell. Spending money on a specific product is recommended to permanently remove the odor without unwanted side effects.
If you can't go to the store to buy the product at the moment, it may be a good idea to try another method first - it will be easier to get rid of the smell if you act as soon as possible. A mild, non-direct skunk spray could also be removed with cheaper home remedies
Step 2. If your dog has red eyes, rinse them with fresh water
If Fido has red and sore eyes, it is possible that he has been hit in the face. Apply cold water to the eyes by pouring it from a cup, spraying it from a pipette or a hose to water the garden without any attachment on the end.
Step 3. Buy an enzymatic cleaner to get rid of the skunk smell
Make sure it is an "enzyme based" or "enzymatic" cleaner that is safe to use on animals. Compared to other commercial odor removal products, enzyme cleaners are able to permanently break down the substances that cause odor instead of just hiding it with another, more intense odor.
Do not use a skunk odor remover that is not specific and safe for pets
Step 4. Apply the product following the instructions
Many of these products can be sprayed directly on the animal's fur. However, it is advisable to read the instructions first. Generally, there is no need to use water or soap as the enzymes will remain on the coat when dry and will disintegrate the smell within a few hours.
- Avoid spraying the product on the dog's eyes or nose. If the smell is particularly pronounced on the muzzle, wet a cloth with the detergent and wipe it gently on the cheeks, forehead and chin.
- If the dog has long hair and if it has been sprayed directly by the skunk, the smell may be trapped more deeply in the fur. Use a cloth dipped in cleaning solution to scrub the fur all the way down to the skin.
Method 2 of 3: Use a Compound based on Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1. Be aware of the risks
While this is probably the most effective home remedy, there are several downsides to it. Hydrogen peroxide can dry out the dog's skin and coat, burn the eyes and even lighten the coat slightly. However, the risks are minimal if the solution is applied correctly, but it is advisable to use a safer method on uncooperative dogs that take a long time to rinse.
For some, this method turns out to be quite effective, especially if applied several times. However, if your dog has been sprayed repeatedly by the skunk, or has a very thick coat, it may be necessary to use a commercial product to get rid of the last traces of odor
Step 2. Put on old clothes and gloves
The smell of skunk easily transfers to clothes. Put on disposable gloves and old clothes before starting treatment.
The smell of skunk can be removed from clothes by simply washing them by adding 120 ml of baking soda to your usual laundry detergent. For any eventuality, it is still preferable to wear old clothes that you no longer use and that you can possibly throw away. Do not mix skunk attacked clothes with the rest of the laundry
Step 3. Rinse sore eyes with cool water
Pour fresh, clean water over the dog's eyes if they are red or irritated by the spray from the skunk. If the dog moves away from the water, use a pipette or hose to water without attachments at the end.
Step 4. Prepare a homemade solution to remove the odor
Mix 60 ml of baking soda, 10 ml of dish soap and 960 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide. If you don't have these ingredients at home, you can find them at the supermarket or pharmacy. Mix the ingredients just before use as they tend to disintegrate if used immediately.
- Double the doses for large breed dogs.
- If you only have hydrogen peroxide in a more concentrated form, dilute it with water before mixing it with the other ingredients. For example: mix one part of 9% hydrogen peroxide with two parts of water to obtain 3% hydrogen peroxide. Stir it thoroughly, then use 960ml of this compound for the recipe above.
Step 5. Keep your dog in a place where you can wash him
If space and weather permit, tie the dog outside the home in a tub. The smell of skunk is easily transferred to the furniture. However, if you are forced to wash your dog indoors, place old towels or newspaper around the tub to make cleaning easier in case your dog gets upset or decides to jump out.
Step 6. Rub the compound from neck to tail
Put on disposable gloves, pour a little compound on the dog at a time and massage it into the coat as if you were making a shampoo. Start at the neck and work your way up to the tail. Keep the dog dry as hydrogen peroxide loses its effectiveness when wet.
Step 7. Use an old sponge to apply to the muzzle (if necessary)
If the face stinks, tilt the dog's chin upwards so that the liquid drips onto the neck and not onto the eyes. With an old sponge, carefully apply the mixture to the chin, cheeks, forehead and ears, but be careful not to apply the solution near the eyes and nose.
If you want, gently insert a cotton ball into the dog's ears to protect them. Be careful not to push the cotton too hard and not to press too hard. Some dogs (and people) do not like the sensation of having liquid in their ears, therefore, thanks to this foresight, the dog may struggle less
Step 8. After a couple of minutes, rinse thoroughly
Hydrogen peroxide could lighten the dog's coat if left on for too long; however, you also need to give it a way to disintegrate the bad smell. Even if the mixture is diluted, to reduce the risk of the hair becoming lighter, do not leave it on for more than four minutes. If all goes well, you will notice that the smell has become less intense.
Step 9. Repeat until the odor is completely eliminated (if necessary)
If you notice that the smell has decreased considerably, but if it still persists, wait for the dog to dry and repeat the application. If, on the other hand, the odor has not reduced at all, it is advisable to use a commercial product to remove odors specifically for dogs or another home remedy.
Method 3 of 3: Try Other Methods
Step 1. Use vinegar instead of hydrogen peroxide
You can replace hydrogen peroxide with vinegar or apple cider to be mixed with baking soda and dish detergent. While it's probably less effective, you won't run the risk of lightening your dog's coat. Follow the instructions above for the hydrogen peroxide mixture and note that:
The vinegar will immediately form bubbles when mixed with the baking soda and will disintegrate quickly. It is advisable to rub the baking soda first and then pour in the vinegar
Step 2. Use a scented dog shampoo to temporarily hide the bad smell
Massaging scented shampoo for dogs will not permanently eliminate the smell, but it can help to temporarily cover it. This remedy is useful to use as a short-term solution unless reapplied regularly. The skunk smell can take several weeks to disperse naturally and could transfer to clothing and furniture, therefore, the latter is not a long-term solution.
Tomato juice is no more effective than scented shampoo, creates a lot of chaos and can even slightly stain the dog's coat. Despite its fame, it is not the ideal solution to eliminate the skunk smell
Step 3. Trim the long hair to remove the trapped odor
Much of the smell could be trapped in the dog's coat, especially if it is long and if the spray was not directed directly on the dog. Cut the hair yourself or take Fido to a groomer willing to work with the smell of skunk.
Advice
Enzymes are eco-friendly, so they're easy to find at stores that specialize in selling eco-labels
Warnings
- Never mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda long before use. The mixture may burst in the bottle if left aside for some time.
- If it is not completely removed, the bad smell may reoccur when the dog's coat gets wet.
- Do not dry the hair with a hairdryer or other heat sources (the smell would become more pronounced).
