What Gets Rid of Skunk Smell on a Dog?

It finally happened: your favorite canine friend had a run-in with a local skunk. The animal's offensive odor is due to the sulfurous chemicals in the spray and is extremely difficult to remove once it has set in. Rather than panicking about not being able to get the stench out, take immediate action by utilizing one of several home remedies for de-skunking your dog or purchase a commercial remedy.

  1. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

    • Developed by chemists, this remedy is considered one of the most effective for eliminating skunk odor in dogs. It requires a quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 tsp. of liquid dish detergent. Ingredients should be combined in a bowl or bucket and immediately rubbed into the affected areas on a dog's hair and skin as it is the mixture's chemical reaction that gets rid of the odor. Work the mixture thoroughly into the dog's hair and skin before rinsing, be sure to avoid getting it in your pooch's eyes.

    Tomato Juice/Paste

    • Tomato juice and paste is an old remedy for de-skunking. The dog should be shampooed and rinsed before applying the juice or paste, though the juice should be used for the body while the paste can be used around the face to avoid tomato juice stinging your dog's eyes. The paste and juice should stay on your dog for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing. The procedure can be repeated if necessary if your dog still has a slight skunk odor.

    De-Skunk Products

    • There are a few commercial de-skunking products available, such as Triple Pet Skunk Insurance, Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor Remover and Earth Friendly Skunk Odor Remover. Such products claim to break up the sulfur compounds that cause the odor and prevent the stench from returning, even if the dog gets wet. Earth Friendly products will not harm your pet or the environment and can be utilized on fabrics, carpeting, tile, furniture, upholstery and sealed wood floors to eliminate skunk odor.

    Mouthwash &Additional Tips

    • Soaking your dog's coat and skin in mouthwash is another home remedy for removing skunk stench and should be done before you give your dog a bath. Keep your dog out of the house post-spraying to avoid getting skunk oils on your furniture and clothes; give the bath outside if weather permits or in a garage during colder weather. Wear old clothes while handling your skunked dog and throw them out afterward as getting skunk smell off fabric is difficult.