How do you keep a skunk from smelling?

Plug it’s nose! Sorry guys, but there is no magical solution to keep the skunk from smelling in the first place. When our pets get skunked we’re left to clean up the mess on our own. I have a sneaking suspicion that putting Fido in the car and taking him to the vet or groomer is out of the question too. However, if you do need to make a trip to the vet, be sure to phone ahead so we can accommodate this kind of situation.

So how do we get rid of that smell?

There is a commercially made product that can be purchased called “Skunk Off”, but let’s face it – a typical meet and greet with a skunk doesn’t happen during regular business hours. Unless you have it on hand, it’s not going to be very helpful.

Every summer we get requests for a miracle cure for this wretched smell. Turns out – we have one!

Step 1: Leave him outside

Step 2: Wash him in Palmolive or Dawn dish detergent. We start with this to strip the oils from the skin so that step 3is more successful. Rinse well.

Step 3:

  • 1 qt. of 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • ¼ c. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. of liquid dish detergent.
    *for large dogs double or triple the recipe

Mix these ingredients together and immediately apply as a shampoo. Leave on pet for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Be sure not to get this solution in your pets eyes.

This solution works best if you get it onto your dog as quickly as possible. The chemical reaction that occurs is short lasting but quite effective in eliminating the skunk smell.

Measuring out the ingredients, or at least having them on-hand is a great idea…just in case! Don’t however; mix the ingredients together in advance. It’s not as effective and the container will explode.

As for the ol ‘tomato juice’ option.. that’s best used for drinking on a warm summer day!

If your pet has been sprayed by a skunk and is exhibiting persistent vomiting, swollen or bloodshot eyes, contact us at the Eastern Passage Village Veterinary Hospital. 465-1213 or the Metro Animal Emergency Clinic after hours at 468-0674.