Your dog has been rolling around in the skunk and you don’t know how to get rid of the smell. It’s not just your house that smells, but also your clothes and everything else.
You’ve tried washing with detergent, vinegar wipes and so on – none of them has worked. There are no quick fixes for this one- it will take time to wash away all traces of skunky stench from both yourself as well as your loved ones.
This guide will teach you how to get rid of skunk smell from your dog as well as your home and clothes.
- What is this skunk smell?
- Is the smell of skunk harmful to dogs?
- What to Do First If Your Dog Is Sprayed or got skunked by a Skunk
- 4 Easy Steps to Remove Skunk Smell from Your Dog
- How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Skunked in the Future
- Will vinegar remove the skunk smell from dogs?
- Does Dawn remove skunk smell from dogs?
- What is the best way to get rid of skunk smell on a dog?
- Conclusion On Skunk Odor Removal in Dogs
- FAQ on Deskunking your dog
What is this skunk smell?
The skunk smell is a noxious, offensive odor that is caused by the spray of the skunk. This spray contains a collection of sulfur-based organic compounds called thiols.
These thiols remain dormant at first, but morph into thiols when they come in contact with water or even humidity, making things a hundred times worse. The smell of skunks is due to thioacetates, which give the smell its incredible staying power.
The skunk smell can be very harmful to dogs. If a dog gets sprayed by a skunk, the smell can cause them to have respiratory problems, eye irritation, and even vomiting.
Is the smell of skunk harmful to dogs?
The smell of skunk is extremely foul and can cause nausea or vomiting in dogs. In rare cases, the ingestion of skunk spray can result in severe anemia according to Vcahospitals.
If your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, it is important to get them cleaned up as soon as possible and to contact your veterinarian if they show any signs of illness.
There are a few methods you can use to get the smell of skunk off your dog, but it is important to take caution as some of these methods may be harmful if used incorrectly.
What to Do First If Your Dog Is Sprayed or got skunked by a Skunk
If your dog is sprayed by a skunk, the first thing you should do is to ventilate the area. Open all the doors and windows to let fresh air in. If possible, move your dog outside.
Next, you will need to neutralize the skunk spray. There are many home remedies that can be used for this purpose, including:
- A mixture of baking soda and dish soap
- A mixture of vinegar and water
- A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water
Once you have neutralized the skunk spray, you can begin washing your dog. Use mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Avoid getting the shampoo in your dog’s eyes. Rinse your dog thoroughly and dry him off with a towel.
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4 Easy Steps to Remove Skunk Smell from Your Dog
1. Wash your dog normally with Fresh Wave Dog Shampoo
You can wash your dog with Fresh Wave Dog Shampoo and follow up with Fresh Wave Pet Spray to help keep them clean. The shampoo is safe for dogs and will not irritate their skin, while the pet spray will help repel dirt and bacteria.
2. Deodorize your dog to Spray Away Any Lingering Skunk Odors
There are a few things you can do to help get rid of skunk odors on your dog. One is to try an aromatherapy shampoo- citrus or tea tree work well and have natural properties that fight odors. You can also brush your dog regularly, 2-5 times a week. This distributes the natural oils in their fur and helps remove dead hair and limit shedding, which will help reduce the amount of odor.
3. Deodorize your home and clothes
If you or your pet has been sprayed by a skunk, it’s important to wash all affected clothing as soon as possible. Skunk spray contains thiols, which are sulfur-based compounds that are very pungent.
Ventilate your home: If your home has been sprayed by a skunk, it’s important to ventilate the area as soon as possible. Skunk spray is very pungent and can quickly permeate fabrics and other materials.
Use air fresheners and candles: Air fresheners and candles can help to mask the smell of skunk spray.
4. Replace Your Dog’s Beddings
Dogs love to sleep, and they often do so on their bedding. However, if you do not replace your dog’s bedding on a regular basis, it will become stained and smelly.
In addition, the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other allergens can be a health hazard for both you and your pet. Be sure to replace bedding regularly to keep your home clean and healthy.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Skunked in the Future
The best way to prevent your dog from getting skunked is to avoid contact with skunks altogether. If you see a skunk, keep your dog on a leash and walk away quickly. If you live in an area where there are known to be lots of skunks, keep your dog inside at night.
There are several other ways to prevent your dog from getting skunked again in the future.
One is to leave a light on in the yard when you let them out at night, which will discourage skunks from hanging around.
Another option is to set up solar lights in your yard, so that it remains well-lit throughout the night. This will make it an undesirable place for skunks to frequent and reduce the chances of your dog getting sprayed.
Another way to keep your dog from getting skunked in the future is to install automated sprinklers that will turn on throughout the night; this may help to deter skunks from roaming your yard.
Another is to make sure all food and treats are brought indoors, and that trashcans are covered in your yard so the scent of food doesn’t lure in skunks.
If you believe you have a serious skunk problem, investigate pet-safe pest control sprays and consult a professional about having your yard treated.
Will vinegar remove the skunk smell from dogs?
Vinegar is a natural and effective way to remove skunk smell from a dog. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other methods.
Does Dawn remove skunk smell from dogs?
Dawn dish soap is a popular choice for removing skunk smell from dogs. It is effective and safe to use on dogs. There are a number of methods you can use to apply Dawn dish soap to your dog, including using it in a bath, spraying it on, or using a shampoo made specifically for Dawn dish soap.
What is the best way to get rid of skunk smell on a dog?
Vinegar is one of the most effective ways to remove skunk smell from a dog. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water, and use it to rinse your dog off. You may need to do this several times to completely remove the odor.
Baking soda:
Baking soda can also be used to remove skunk smell from a dog. Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 quart of water, and use it to rinse your dog off. You may need to do this several times to completely remove the odor.
Hydrogen peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective way to remove skunk smell from a dog. Simply mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, and use it to rinse your dog off. You may need to do this several times to completely remove the odor.
Conclusion On Skunk Odor Removal in Dogs
There are a few methods that can be used to remove skunk odor from dogs. These include using tomato juice, vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.
The best method for removing skunk odor from dogs seems to be using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. This mixture should be applied to the dog’s fur and then allowed to sit for 5-10 minutes before being rinsed off.
FAQ on Deskunking your dog
What to wash a dog with that got sprayed by a skunk?
If your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, you will need to take action as soon as possible to remove the spray and odor. Wash your dog with soap and water or a commercial skunk odor shampoo, and if you have asthma or are very sensitive to skunk musk, you may need to use the services of a professional dog groomer.
Should I take my dog to the vet after getting sprayed by a skunk?
If your dog was sprayed in the face, has difficulty breathing, or shows any other concerning symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. If your dog was only sprayed on the body and is otherwise healthy and acting normal, you can try some home remedies first.
If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a skunk, it is best to contact a veterinarian right away. The vet will likely give your dog a bath with a special skunk shampoo and may prescribe antibiotics if they were sprayed in the face.
Does tomato juice remove skunk smell?
Tomato juice may not remove the skunk smell, but it will help to cover it up. Everyone else will still be able to smell the skunk smell, so don’t expect miracles.
Why is my dog’s mouth foaming after getting sprayed by a skunk?
Dogs may experience a “spray” of bitter-tasting fluid from a skunk, which might cause them to foam at the mouth. If your dog is exhibiting these symptoms, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
