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This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
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Nothing quite compares to the threatened skunk's smelly calling card. When skunks are frightened or feel threatened, they release a spray containing a very strong and unpleasant odor. This odor is due to sulphur-like compounds called thiols. These smell like rotten eggs and, to make matters worse, most humans' sense of smell is very sensitive to thiols. The idea that tomato juice can remove the skunk smell is nothing but an old wives' tail. Tomato juice will not be effective in ridding your pet, the unfortunate victim of a skunk's spray attack, from the smell. Instead, you need to target the oily residue of the spray in order to neutralize the odor.[1]
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Treating the Skunk Smell
Prepare to wash the pet outside. Don't bring the affected pet inside, since you don't want to bring the pungent skunk scent with it. Moreover, pets rarely like baths so there's no use in getting your bathroom messy. Outside is best.[2]
Gather the required ingredients. You will need at least two bottles of 3% hydrogen peroxide, some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and liquid dish detergent.The hydrogen peroxide and the baking soda work together to neutralize the odor. The dish detergent will help break up the oils in the skunk spray, since most liquid dish detergents are grease-fighting. The soap will also work to turn the solution into a "shampoo".[3]- This hydrogen peroxide and bicarbonate solution was invented by a chemist named Paul Krebaum, who uncovered the chemical reaction that resulted from these ingredients and the thiols in the skunk's spray.[4]
- If you don't have hydrogen peroxide on hand or can't make it to the local drug store to purchase it, you substitute with a 2% vinegar solution. However, the hydrogen peroxide is the most effective cleaner for removing the skunk smell.[5]
- Make sure you have rubber dish gloves and old clothes you don't care about. (Hydrogen peroxide is what salons use to bleach hair.) A rubber or plastic apron would be helpful too.
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Mix the three ingredients together in a pail. You'll want to use 1 US-quart (950 ml) of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1-2 teaspoons of the detergent. This specific mixture comes widely recommended and is considered the most effective and scientifically-proven treatment to remove the skunk smell from sprayed pets.[6][7][8]- Note that if your pet is particularly large, like a large-breed dog for example, then you may need to double or triple the solution in order to have enough to wash your pet with.
- Be prepared to use this mixture immediately after it has been mixed together because it is unstable. It is not a solution that can be made ahead of time and stored away.
Bathe your pet. Don't rinse your pet first with water. The solution will work better if applied directly and concentrated to the fur. Apply the mixture to your pet's dry coat from the collar back towards the tail. Make sure to work in the solution all the way into the skin. Take extra care when washing your pet's facial area (it is a good idea to use a washcloth for this area). Cover each eye with a dry cloth while you gently and carefully wash around it. Do not get the solution into the pet's eyes as the hydrogen peroxide can burn them.
Let the solution sit on your pet for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse the solution with tap water. Make sure the rinse is very thorough.[9] Y- When you rinse your pet's head, tilt his head upwards so the solution does not trickle into the eyes. Instead allow the water to run back off your pet's neck.
Repeat as needed. You may need to repeat the lather and rinse procedure up to three times for the smell to fully disappear.Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Avoiding Skunk Sprays
Watch the skunk for key behaviors and signs. A skunk will give many clear signals before it sprays. If threatened, it will stamp its front feet, arch its back, and shuffle away.[10]
Leave the area. If you see notice the skunk doing these behaviors, these are signs that he may be getting agitated. Remove yourself and your pet from the area.[11]- If you don't leave right away, the skunk will turn its posterior toward you and raise its tail. The skunk will then release a smelly musk, a sulfur-alcohol compound, from particular glands near its anus. This compound is what gives the skunk spray its powerful odor.[12]
Note that the spray not only stinks, but can burn. A skunk's spray can cause temporary blindness if it is sprayed directly into the eyes. Check your pet to make sure that the skunk did not spray his eyes directly. If you are worried this is the case, flush the eyes out with water immediately. Use a turkey baster, garden hose or cup to pour water in a gentle stream to flush out your pet's eyes. You can also consult your vet for more direction and guidance if you fear your pet's eyes were directly affected and/or burned by the spray.[13]Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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- QuestionMy dog got sprayed in the eyes, and now they are really red and painful. Is there anything I can do?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianEyes are delicate structures, so you need to be careful about what you put in them. Lavaging the eyes with cool boiled water helps to rinse away any residue of the skunk spray and reduce the irritation. Use large volumes of water and continue to flush for 5 - 10 minutes. It may also help to purchase false tears (saline solution designed to be safe in eyes) from a pharmacy, and apply a generous squeeze every hour to help sooth the eyes. If the dog is rubbing her eyes, then put a cone on her head so she doesn't further traumatize the eyes. - QuestionHow do you get rid of the skunk smell from a car?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianYou can purchase commercial skunk-scent removing solutions for use on upholstery. However, the recipe mentioned above is as effective (if not more so) than commercial products. Do test the area first to make sure it is color fast and wont be damaged by the cleaning agent. - QuestionCan I use anything other than baking soda for the skunk spray solution?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianThe part of the baking soda that plays an active part is the bicarbonate of soda. If you don't have baking soda, then bicarbonate of soda is an excellent alternative.
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References
- ↑ http://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a3348/dog-sprayed-by-skunk/
- ↑ http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/skunksmellremovalrid.htm
- ↑ http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/skunksmellremovalrid.htm
- ↑ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-11-25/news/9411250251_1_common-striped-skunk-skunk-spray-smell
- ↑ http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/skunksmellremovalrid.htm
- ↑ http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/skunksmellremovalrid.htm
- ↑ http://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a3348/dog-sprayed-by-skunk/
- ↑ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-11-25/news/9411250251_1_common-striped-skunk-skunk-spray-smell
- ↑ http://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a3348/dog-sprayed-by-skunk/
About this article
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 174,163 times.
Co-authors: 17
Updated: December 3, 2023
Views: 174,163
Article SummaryX
To get rid of the skunk smell on your pet, start by combining 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of dish soap in a bucket. Then, take your pet outside and rub the mixture into its fur, making sure to get all the way into the skin. Next, let the solution sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and rinse it off with warm water. If your pet still smells like skunk, repeat the washing and rinsing process until the smell disappears. For more advice from out Veterinary co-author, including how to treat your pet if the skunk spray gets into its eyes, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
"I own two large dogs, both just sprayed by a skunk. Not the first time, and like many, always used tomato juice to no avail. Your site helped tremendously on what to use and how much for larger dogs. Applying the ingredients before wetting was very helpful."..." more
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