How to Get Skunk Smell off a Dog with Vinegar

Fido escaped from your house and had an unpleasant altercation with a skunk. Fido lost. You used the time-honored tomato juice remedy repeatedly but your poor dog still reeked of the skunk spray. Hopefully there won't be a next time, but if there is, be prepared with these new remedies from ordinary household items.

Things You'll Need

  • White vinegar
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Dawn dish-washing liquid
  • Baking soda
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Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid letting the dog into the house after it has been sprayed.

    • 2

      Use rubber gloves, and don't get anything into the dog's eyes.

    • 3

      Prepare a mixture that is 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water. Scrub only the sprayed areas and avoid getting the dog wet all over to prevent spreading the skunk oil. Repeat at least three times with the water/vinegar combination.

    • 4

      Alternately, mix a 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, a 1/4 cup Dawn dish-washing liquid and a 1/4 cup of baking soda into a quart of warm water. Again, wash only the affected area to avoid spreading the spray. The oxygen should neutralize the skunk spray.

    • 5

      Wash your carpet with cleaning solution and sprinkle kosher salt on the affected area if the dog has gotten inside and the carpet smells.