De-Skunking your Dog
De-skunking your pup doesn’t have to be difficult –– as long as you follow these steps carefully! Make sure you assess any possible injuries after an encounter with a skunk and use plenty of caution when creating and applying the cleaner solution to keep both yourself and your pet safe during this process.
What To Do and What Not To Do
There’s nothing quite like the smell of a skunk, I can remember sitting in my home watching TV as a wave of nauseating skunk odor came wafting into the house. If your pup has recently been sprayed by a skunk, you’re probably looking for ways to de-skunk them quickly, safely, and effectively. With the right approach, de-skunking your dog is easier than it seems. Let’s take a look at what you need to know.
What to Look For After an Encounter with a Skunk
The first step in the process is assessing how badly your pup was sprayed. Doing so will help you determine if medical attention is needed. First, check for any visible injuries such as cuts or puncture wounds from claws or teeth. Pay special attention to the eyes too; if they are red or irritated, there’s a chance that chemicals have gotten into them and could require additional treatment from your vet. After that, make sure that your pup isn’t experiencing any difficulty breathing or signs of shock or distress. If any of these symptoms are present, seek medical help immediately.
Cleaner Ingredients & Equipment You Will Need
Assuming that your pup is healthy after the encounter with the skunk, it’s time to get started on de-skunking them! Here’s the recipe for skunk odor remover. •
- A quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- A quarter cup of baking soda
- A teaspoon or two of dish soap (preferably one without added fragrances)
When it comes time to bathe your pup, make sure that you have access to clean running water and plenty of towels for after the bath –– no one likes getting wet!
Creating Your Cleaner & Applying It Safely
Now that you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to start making the cleaner! Take care not to mix too much; this solution should be used within 24 hours for maximum effectiveness (although it will still work if used later). Be sure to wear rubber gloves when handling this mixture and keep away from the eyes. When applying it on your pup, start from their tail and work towards their head while avoiding their face and ears at all costs –– no matter how cute they are when they beg for treats! Make sure that you massage the cleaner into their fur thoroughly before rinsing off with warm water. You may need to repeat this process several times depending on how bad the smell is, but don’t worry –– eventually, the unpleasant odor will go away!
Fun Fact
There’s not really any humor in this situation, but did you know that skunks prefer not spraying people? They only do so out of self-defense when feeling threatened or cornered! So let’s give them some space next time we see one outside our homes 🙂
What is a proven home remedy for removing skunk odor from my dog?
A popular and effective home remedy is a mixture of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1-2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap. Apply the solution to your dog’s coat, let it sit for about 5 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with water.
Can I use tomato juice to get rid of skunk smell on my dog?
Although tomato juice is a popular remedy, it is less effective than the hydrogen peroxide solution mentioned above. Tomato juice often only masks the smell rather than neutralizing it.
How can I protect my dog’s eyes and ears while treating skunk odor?
To protect your dog’s eyes and ears, avoid applying the solution directly to these sensitive areas. Instead, use a cloth or sponge to carefully clean around the face, making sure not to get any solution in the eyes, ears, or mouth.
