Possibly nothing in my life has brought more frenzied panic that the moment I realized my dog had been sprayed by a skunk. Because it was just five in the morning and my nose had not yet awoken, I leaned against the open door and invited the smelly mutt inside. Then, gasping in horror, I spent what felt like three hours trying to chase down the equally panicked animal and herd him back out the door. Thus began an adventure I’ll not soon forget, from finding a place to wash the beast to deciding what would best remove the hideous skunk odor. It did make a great story for my insatiable seventh graders, however, when I finally limped into the classroom.
At times like these, it’s important to think fast and be prepared. Otherwise…well, your house will never smell the same and you may just have to sell your dog. Or probably just give him away. Maybe even leave him by the side of the road, actually. If you’re rather fond of your dog and would like to keep him, then read on.
Steps to Get Rid of Skunk Odor on Your Dog
Keep your dog out of the house after he’s been sprayed by a skunk. It doesn’t take long for the strong skunk odor to permeate everything you own, although there are ways to get rid of the smell. My dog was only inside the house for about a minute, but the smell hung around for a week and a half and pretty soon even my food tasted like skunk odor. If it’s not possible to keep your dog outside, make sure you use a room with windows and close the door.
Check your dog’s eyes and skin for any signs of irritation from the skunk spray. If you do notice that your dog’s eyes are red and irritated, try rinsing them out with water or using eye drops made of saline solution. If the redness seems extreme, however, it is best to consult your vet. It is also very important to check your dog for any deep scratches or bites. Skunk odor isn’t the only thing you need to worry about. Skunks can carry rabies, so get to your vet right away if you see any bleeding.
Wipe off your dog to remove the fluid and to help locate where the skunk sprayed your dog. A skunk’s spray is full of compounds called “thiols,” which are sulfurous chemicals contained in two of the animal’s anal glands. Basically, it’s some serious stuff (as we all know) and the sooner it’s removed the better. Use paper towels or a rag you’re not sad about later burning, and wipe down your dog. Be sure to use rubber gloves so you don’t get the spray or skunk odor on yourself. As you’re wiping down your dog, you should be able to get an idea of where he was hit. Usually it’s the neck/shoulders area because your dog probably tried to avoid the spray.
Choose skunk odor remover that will help you get rid of the skunk smell on your dog. Since your must act fast when a skunk strikes, it’s nice to have everything you need on hand. The following solution has worked for many people and is a favorite among home remedies: mix 1 qt. of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ to ½ cups baking soda and 1 – 2 tsp. dish soap. (It’s important not to store this in a closed container since the mixture of these ingredients creates pressure and could burst.) Another thing to keep in mind is the bleaching effect hydrogen peroxide could have on your dog’s coat. If this is a concern, try substituting vinegar for the peroxide.
Wash your dog as soon as possible to get rid of the skunk smell. First use warm water to wet your dog and then, with rubber gloves and a washcloth, rub the skunk odor remover into the coat. If you have an energetic dog, a large plastic tub may help you contain him. Concentrate on the spots that were directly hit by the skunk spray, and be careful of your dog’s eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Leave the skunk odor remover on for 5 – 10 minutes so it can set, rinse thoroughly, and then repeat this process unless your dog suddenly smells amazingly fresh and clean (he probably won’t yet). Follow up with a regular dog shampoo, and then make sure you leave your dog outside (or in a closed room) until he is dry.When to Visit Your Veterinarian
As I mentioned before, you may have to go to the vet if a skunk sprayed your dog directly in the face and badly irritated his eyes. You should be able to tell after a few hours, if your dog’s eyes are still very red or he seems uncomfortable. Other signs that you may need your veterinarian’s help include foaming at the mouth, vomiting, and extreme lethargy. It is likely that all your dog will need, though, is some rest, nourishment and TLC. (And maybe a few embarrassing photographs for the granddogs.)
