How to Get Mace Off of a Dog

Mace is not lethal when sprayed on dogs, but it is quite painful.

Mace is a type of self-defense spray that is non-lethal. Many pepper and tear gas sprays are referred to as Mace. The spray does not kill an attacker, but it allows you time to escape from harm. Some people have a fear of dogs, particularly certain breeds, such as rottweilers or Doberman pinschers and use the self-defense spray on the animal if they feel an attack is imminent. Washing the mace off your dog properly helps get rid of the effects of the self-defense spray.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Non-oil soap or cold cream based soap
• Soft towel

Instructions

Baking Soda Solution

1. Speak calmly to your dog and reassure the animal that everything is going to be all right. Mace burns intensely, causing tearing and often disorientation for up to 45 minutes after contact.

2. Run large quantities of cool water over the dog's face, eyes, mouth and other affected areas immediately to flush away the chemicals from the Mace spray. (See reference 2, question 4.) Warm water worsens the effect of the spray. (See reference 1, last question.)

3. Dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda in one gallon of cool water and pour it over your dog's face and affected body parts. This does not harm the animal and helps get rid of any lasting effects. The Mace may continue to burn, causing tearing or disorientation for up to 45 minutes after the spray contacts the animal, if you do not flush it with cool water or the baking soda solution.

4. Transport your dog to a vet or animal emergency center if the animal is not showing signs of improvement after an hour.

Soap Solution

1. Flush your dog's face and affected body parts with cool water.

2. Wash the animal with cool water and a soap that does not contain oil. A cold cream based soap is another option to bathe the dog.

3. Rinse the dog well and dry with a soft towel. If the dog does not show signs of improvement within an hour, consult a veterinarian.

Tips & Warnings

• Crying, squinting, whining, drooling, excessive licking and wiping of the face and eyes and reddened, inflamed skin indicate your dog has encountered Mace. A vet stains the eyes with fluorescein to determine if there is a chemical burn to the eyes. (See resource 1.)

• Mace self-defense sprays may result in first- or second-degree burns and severe skin irritations if not treated quickly with cool water. (See reference 2, question 4.)

References

• Milestone Safety: Pepper Spray FAQ
• Mace: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Pet Place.com: Sprayed With Mace or Pepper Spray