How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell from a Dog

Once you stop gagging, getting your dog back to a normal smell after it encounters a skunk is your main goal. Skunk spray on your dog may spread to your clothing, home or car. So minimize physical contact by using rubber gloves and paper towels -- or towels you won't mind throwing away. While a quick bath helps remove some of the skunk oils, the smell generally remains stronger than most owners want. Neutralizing the remaining odor often requires other ingredients that chemically help break down the oils.

Things You'll Need

  • Skunk spray neutralizer -- available from veterinarians or pet supply stores
  • Soap, detergent or dog shampoo
  • Rubber gloves
  • Paper towels or old towels
  • Tomato juice
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 2 tsp. liquid soap
  • 1 qt. 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
  • Plastic container
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply a commercial skunk spray neutralizer, advises Utah State University Cooperative Extension. Follow the directions on the product. Avoid getting the product into your dog's eyes or nose. Use a wet cloth to dab the product onto its muzzle, ears and facial area. Wash the dog using mild soap, dog shampoo or mild dish washing detergent. Rinse thoroughly, and dry the dog.

    • 2

      Again, wash your dog with dog shampoo, liquid dish washing detergent or mild laundry detergent. Work up a lather, then thoroughly rinse. Pour tomato juice on the dog, rub the juice into the fur and allow it to soak for approximately 20 minutes, advises Purdue University. Wash the dog again, and rinse. Repeat the process until the skunk odor is gone.

    • 3

      Mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 2 tsp. mild liquid soap and 1 qt. medical grade 3 percent strength hydrogen peroxide in a plastic container, advises chemist Paul Krebaum. Pour the solution on your dog, avoiding its eyes and nose. Rub the solution into the coat, and allow the dog to soak for at least 5 minutes. Repeat the process, if odor remains.