How to Remove Skunk Smell From a Dog

When a dog is sprayed by a skunk, the strong scent is seemingly impossible to eliminate. Though old-school remedies recommend tomato juice or vinegar baths, those methods only mask the terrible odor, allowing it to linger for days. This safe, effective treatment uses hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to neutralize the skunk spray on the pup's fur and skin, therefore removing the stench.

Things You'll Need

• Metal tub
• 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent
• Rubber gloves
• Hose
• Towel

Instructions

1. Place a metal tub outside. Stand the dog in the tub.

2. Mix together the hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and dishwashing liquid. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and massage the mixture into the dog's fur, paying particular attention to the area directly sprayed by the skunk. Keep the solution away from the dog's face, particularly his eyes.

3. Rinse the dog's fur completely with the hose, being careful not to get the solution in the dog's eyes, mouth or ears. Dry the dog with a towel.

4. Check the dog's eyes for redness and irritation after rinsing her off. If they are red, this is a sign that either the spray or the cleaning solution got in the dog's eyes. Contact the vet if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Before starting this treatment, check the dog for cuts or bite marks. Skunks have been known to attack through means other than spraying, and they can carry rabies.

• Always contact the vet immediately if the dog has been sprayed in the face or wounded by the skunk, as this is very painful and usually requires specialized care.

• Never use any hydrogen peroxide solution for this treatment other than the weak, 3 percent version found in brown bottles at drugstores.