Run the opposite direction.
I jest. But in all seriousness, there is a foul awfulness to fresh skunk stank that driving past dead ones on the road will never prepare you for.
In the 20+ years of dogs being in my life not a single one of them has been stupid enough to get skunked.
Until now.
What is Skunk Spray?
Skunk spray is a foul smelling sulfurous liquid produced in the anal glands of skunks as a defense mechanism. When threatened, skunks can spray this foul liquid about 15 feet. When dogs get involved with skunks, it is common for them to get a blast right in the face, which can leave them looking like they just got pepper sprayed.
The Steps to Take When Your Dog is Sprayed by a Skunk
There are so many things running through your head all at once when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk that it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what you need to do first. Especially if your dog has never been skunked.
Check Your Dogs Eyes
Dogs can have a severe reaction to being sprayed by a skunk. Their eyes might swell up, their tongue will burn, they’ll want to inhale dirt, just the make it go away.
The best immediate thing you can do is to flush your dog’s eyes. You can use cool, clean water to flush them, or an eye wash specially designed with dogs in mind. If skunks are common in your area, I recommend keeping some eye wash on hand just in case. Though I hope it never happens to you or your dog!
Remove the Skunk Spray (and Stank) from Your Dog’s Coat ASAP
You have probably heard that tomato juice is the winner for removing skunk smell from anything. According to several articles I have read, tomato juice has had limited success in removing the smell. Plus, I don’t know about you, but I do not have that much tomato juice hanging out on shelves in my house.
There are specialized skunk odor removing shampoos you can buy specifically for removing the smell too. And now, after this experience I will be keeping a couple on hand.
If you don’t have a specialized shampoo on hand, your can use your dog’s regular shampoo (the smell will still be there) or you can use a DIY concoction of hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda.
DIY Skunk Deodorizing Soak
This is the next best option for removing skunk smell if you don’t have any of the specialized shampoos.
- 1 quart 3% Hydrogen peroxide solution (this is usually found in the brown bottle at supermarkets and pharmacies)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 tsp liquid dish soap
Work the solution into your dogs coat thoroughly, careful to avoid the eyes. Don’t let the mixture linger in their coat for too long as the hydrogen peroxide has the potential to bleach fur. Rinse your dog completely and do not be afraid to repeat the wash as many times as you feel is necessary to remove the smell.
Once you are stratified your got as much of the skunk smell off as possible, follow with your dog’s regular shampoo and then dry like normal with a towel or dog drier.
Don’t be Afraid to Give your Dog Benadryl
If your dog still has that freshly pepper sprayed look. Don’t be afraid to give them Benadryl. I recommend reading this article about Benadryl usage in dogs. The article povides dosage information, but I still strongly suggest contacting your vet prior to administering any OTC medication to your dog for proper dosage.
Removing Skunk Smell from Fabric and Clothing
Unless you bathe your dog naked (no judgement!) your clothes will smell pretty foul after the fact!
Strip your clothes in your garage or in the bathroom while being very careful not to touch anything with your contaminated clothes. Then you want to take a shower yourself. Lather up as many times as necessary to remove the smell.
After your shower, wash any clothing and fabric (towels included!) that came into contact with the stink. You’ll want to add 1/2 cup of baking soda or Odoban to your load of laundry.
Things to Keep in Mind
- If you choose to keep a canine eye wash on hand, be mindful of any expiration dates the products may have printed on them.
- Wear gloves when washing your dog. If not, the smell will get on your hands and it will linger for days.
- I am not a veterinary and none of this should be considered medical advice for your dog. If there is anything you are unsure of, such as Benadryl dosage, call your vet.
- It will take time for the smell to disappear all together. Patience and maybe some nose plugs are key.
Has your dog ever been sprayed by a skunk? (I hope not!) If so, share some of your tips and findings in the comments below!
And don’t forget to pin this to your pet board and share it with every pet parent you know!!
Leave a Reply