How to Wash a Dog Sprayed by a Skunk

Skunks--members of the weasel family--are characterized by their black and white stripped fur. They are also known for the foul-smelling spray they emit. Skunks release this spray as a means of defense. If your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, the odor will be overwhelming. It is important to clean skunk spray from your dog promptly so the spray does not spread further into the dog's coat or transfer to other household pets or items.

Things You'll Need

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Bucket
  • Liquid dish soap
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • Spoon
  • Garden hose
  • Old sponge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pour 2 cups hydrogen peroxide into a bucket. Add 2 tsp. liquid dish soap and ¼ cup baking soda. Use a spoon to thoroughly combine the ingredients. If your dog is large, you may need to double or triple this recipe.

    • 2

      Wet down your dog with water from the garden hose. It is important to wash skunk spray from your dog outside so the spray does not contaminate the inside of your house.

    • 3

      Dip an old sponge into the peroxide mixture. Scrub your dog thoroughly with the mixture. Make sure to lather the mixture well onto the spot where the skunk sprayed.

    • 4

      Let the mixture sit on your dog for about four minutes. Rinse off the dog with water from the garden hose.

    • 5

      Wash the dog again with the same mixture immediately after rinsing. Rinse and wash the dog once again, if necessary. It may require three or more cleanings with this mixture to completely remove the skunk spray odor.

    • 6

      Mix 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup liquid dish soap if the skunk odor persists. Add 1 cup water to the mixture after it becomes foamy.

    • 7

      Wash your dog thoroughly with a clean sponge and this cleaning solution. Let the mixture sit on the dog for 10 minutes. Rinse the dog with a mixture of ½ cup vinegar and 1 gallon water. Repeat application of the peroxide and vinegar solution, then rinsing with the vinegar and water mixture, if necessary.