Home Remedy for Skunk Spray on Dogs

Tomato juice has long been the standard wash for a skunky dog. But it's messy and you might not have enough on hand in an emergency. Besides, it doesn't work all that well. There are easier, better solutions to rid your dog of skunk smell.

  1. Baking Soda and Peroxide

    • Mix 1 qt. hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup baking soda, 2 tsp. liquid soap and enough warm water to wet your dog thoroughly. Work into the fur and leave the solution on for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse. Repeat if needed. Do not store mixture in a closed container as it could burst.

    White Vinegar And Dish Soap

    • Sponge the affected area with distilled white vinegar then wash with diluted dish soap. Don't get either solution in your dog's eyes. If your dog was sprayed in the face, rinse repeatedly with plain water.

    Apple Cider Vinegar Mix

    • Mix together 1 qt. hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, 2 tsp. dish detergent (Dawn is recommended), 1 qt. apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup powdered OxyClean and 1 qt. warm water. Mix in a bucket and sponge it onto your dog's fur. Leave on 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse.

    Listerine Mouthwash

    • Pour Listerine mouthwash or its equivalent in a spray bottle and wet down your dog. Leave on at least 5 minutes, then rinse.

    Salt Shampoo

    • Mix 1/4 cup dish soap (or 1/2 cup shampoo) in a gallon jug with 1/2 cup table salt. Shake well and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. Sponge or pour on your dog. Work it into her fur, let it sit 5 minutes, then rinse. Follow with shampoo.

    Toothpaste

    • Mix 1/4 cup of toothpaste in 1 quart of warm water. Mix well and apply to your dog's coat, working it into his fur. Let the mixture sit 5 minutes, then rinse.