Removing Skunk Smell From Dogs

When a skunk feels threatened it will perform a series of movements to alarm the intruder it feels threatened. As a final warning the skunk will raise its tail and spray a noxious chemical from its anal glands. Many dog owners know this smell well, especially if they live near a heavily wooded area or one that has a large skunk population. Removing the offensive skunk smell from an unfortunately curious dog is possible at home without the need for a potentially expensive vet visit.

Things You'll Need

  • Garden hose
  • Dog shampoo
  • Rubber gloves
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
  • 2 tbsp. dish soap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spray the dog down with a garden hose. This will wet the dog's fur and prepare it to be washed. If possible, keep the dog in an outdoor area to prevent the spread of the smell into your home. If this is not possible, carefully bring the dog directly into the bathtub and perform the cleaning in this area.

    • 2

      Wash the dog's fur with dog shampoo. Work the shampoo into the dog's fur, making sure to avoid allowing the shampoo into its eyes, nose and mouth. Rinse the shampoo away. Wear rubber gloves during the cleaning to avoid transferring the skunk smell to your skin.

    • 3

      Create a mixture of one quarter cup baking soda, one quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and two tbsp. dishwashing soap in a plastic bucket.

    • 4

      Massage the mixture into the dog's fur, once again making sure to avoid allowing the solution near its mouth, nose or eyes.

    • 5

      Allow the mixture to sit on the dog's fur for three to five minutes before thoroughly rinsing it away with water.

    • 6

      Repeat the process of washing the dog with baking soda and peroxide mixture until the odor begins to lessen. The washing may need to occur two to three times a day for several days until the smell is completely gone.