How to Get Rid of the Smell When a Dog Has Contact With a Skunk

In the case of the dog versus the skunk, the skunk usually wins. Skunks spray foul-smelling liquid out of their bodies to defend themselves against predators. The horrible smell typically wreaks havoc on a dog’s keen sense of smell and causes it to back off. The liquid usually hits the dog’s hair, which will smell horrible until it is removed. Typical shampoos and soaps are ineffective against getting the odor out; however, there are alternative ways to remove the skunk smell from your dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Skunk deodorizer
  • Water
  • Shampoo
  • Towel
  • Tomato juice or paste
  • Container
  • 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
  • Baking soda
  • Liquid soap
  • Old clothes
  • Rubber gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use products specifically made to remove the skunk smell from dog fur. A few shampoos are available that are designed to break up the sulfur compounds found in skunk spray and remove the odor from the dog. Such shampoos are typically found in pet stores.

    • 2

      Apply tomato juice or tomato paste to the affected area. First, wash the area with typical dog shampoo, rinse well and dry it with a towel. Then, apply the juice or paste to the affected spot—use the juice on the body and the paste in sensitive areas, such as the face, to prevent it from running in the eyes and nose. Allow the tomato product to soak for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse well. Repeat the process if you can still detect the skunk funk.

    • 3

      Use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda on the affected spot. Pour 4 cups of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in a container, then add ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 tsp. of liquid soap. Mix well. Wash the area with shampoo, then rinse well and towel dry. Apply the mix to the smelly spot and leave it on for three to four minutes. Repeat the process if necessary.