How to Get the Skunk Smell Off Your Dog
Oh no! Has your furry friend been sprayed by a skunk? Below are ways to get the stinky odor off of your pup!
Home Remedies
You have probably heard of taking a bath in tomato juice after being sprayed by a skunk. However, these old remedies don’t work very well. You will just have a big tomato mess and the skunk odor will still be lingering around.
Instead, use one cup of baking soda, three cups of hydrogen peroxide, and one teaspoon of soap. Be sure to have all of your bathing tools ready because once you make the mixture you will need to use it immediately for the most effective results. While the mixture is still fizzing, sponge and rub the mixture into your pal’s fur. Work it into the fur as much as you can. Then, hose or rinse off your companion.
But use caution! Do not get the peroxide solution near your pal’s eyes, nose, or mouth. Additionally, the peroxide may lighten your furry friend’s hair. But don’t worry! This will not harm your pal and new fur will grow back in a few months. Also, do not store any leftover solution.
Commercial Products
Home remedies are not always ideal. They rarely work completely and you may still notice a mild skunk smell when your pal gets wet for a few months following the skunk incident. Products such as Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover, or De-Skunk Shampoo are great commercial options. Reviews report that they work well to remove that stinky skunk smell. However, you should try to keep a bottle on hand. You may not think you will ever need it, but it is better to be prepared!
How to Avoid Skunk Incidents
Aside from their odor, skunks have teeth and claws and won’t hesitate to defend themselves. So, take precautions to avoid any run-ins with these creatures. First, always keep your dog on a leash when exploring the outdoors on walks or hikes. Additionally, keep an eye out for skinks. Also, be sure that your pal is up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. If you do have an encounter with a skunk, calmly and slowly back away from it. Once the skunk feels they are no longer threatened, they will move on. If you do have a tussle with a skunk, be sure to visit your vet and your doctor for potential rabies treatment.
Skunk sprays seem like something from a cartoon until it happens to you. Be prepared and take action if you and your four-legged friend encounter a skunk!