Removing skunk spray on dogs isn't difficult, and it is important both for your own sense of smell, and your dog's!
Skunk spray is a very strong odor, so even if you've never smelt it before, should your dog unfortunately become the recipient of it, you will know.
The first thing you should do is check your dog's eyes. Veronika Kiklevich, D.V.M., an instructor at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, and the head of the community practice division there, says: "It won't make him blind, but it's very painful". She suggests that you use the same solution that people would to wash out your dog's eyes.
The next step in removing skunk spray from dogs is to wash your dog very thoroughly - outside. Washing him inside will only mean the rather pervasive smell leaves itself in your home for several weeks. Wearing latex gloves to protect your hands from smelling of skunk, wash your dog thoroughly. Using a regular pet shampoo is fine, but you'll need to wash him two or three times.
The final step in removing skunk spray on dogs is to wash him in tomato juice! The mechanism behind it working is unclear, but it does work. You'll need to totally dry your dog after washing him as above. Then pour the tomato juice on his coat and rub it in thoroughly. It's preferable to let it soak for about half an hour, if you can keep your dog still that long. This lets it soak into his skin. If you have a light colored dog, it will tinge his coat slightly pink, but this will fade. And a pink dog that smells nice is a much more preferable alternative to a skunked dog!
Rebecca Prescott
Rebecca is a writer with an interest in pets and health. She takes care of her Mum's cattle dog cross, Ginger, and owns 4 cats.
View all articles by Rebecca Prescott
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said this on 09 Jun 2006 7:43:08 AM EDT
I have heard that Betadine scrub works well in removing the skunk smell. Apparently it does not atain. I had to use the old tomatoe bath on 2 Akitas even though I worked in an OR and used Betatine scub long ago(1970's) and it never stained our arms.
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said this on 15 Jun 2008 11:21:10 AM EDT
accually tomato juice only masks the odor but doesn't get rid of the smell. wash with peroxide and baking soda for your dog. it might bleach his coat but it does get the stink out
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said this on 17 Jul 2008 9:23:20 AM EDT
Tomato Juice does not work, even if the dog has just rolled on a carcus (ask me how I know!). I saw another that suggest hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and dish washing detergent that seems promising (some good comments by people who used it), and one that uses vinegar (has acid like tomato juice) to breakup the skunk odor enzyme.
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said this on 04 Aug 2009 2:42:06 AM EDT
A chemist by the name of Paul Krebaum discovered a solution that chemically neutralizes skunk odor. The ingredients for the formulation are:
1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (fresh bottle) 1/4 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) 1-2 teaspoons liquid dish soap. Ingredients must be mixed in an open container and used immediately. Never mix the ingredients in advance because oxygen released from hydrogen peroxide may cause a closed container to explode. The solution can be used on people or pets; avoid splashing the product in the eyes or mouth. Allow the solution to remain on hair for five minutes before rinsing with water. Repeat as needed. Do not use this solution on clothing — it may discolor the fabric. |
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said this on 05 Aug 2009 9:02:03 PM EDT
Skunk spray is not an enzyme. The spray is comprised of thiols which are sulfur based compounds. Washing the eyes with saline is a good idea. Tomatoe juice however just makes a mess. Peroxide and bakingsoda is a better solution. I've used it eight times and counting. Its so much fun having a skunk dog!
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