What to do When Your Dog Gets Skunked

It’s a scenario no pet owner wants to face: your dog comes bounding back from the yard, tail wagging… and smelling absolutely awful. Yep, they’ve been skunked.

Skunks are usually peaceful creatures, but when they feel threatened, they don’t hesitate to unleash their powerful defense mechanism — a foul-smelling spray that can linger for days. If your dog has had a run-in with one, here’s what you need to know to handle the situation calmly and effectively.

Ensure Your Dog is Okay

Skunk spray isn’t just smelly — it can cause physical discomfort and, in rare cases, health issues. Here are a few things to check right away:

• Eyes: If your dog was sprayed in the face, their eyes might be red or irritated. Flush them gently with clean water or pet-safe eye drops.
• Mouth: If the spray got into their mouth, rinse thoroughly with water to help remove the taste and odor.
• Wounds or Bites: Look for any signs of injury. If your dog was bitten, especially by a potential skunk with rabis, contact your vet immediately.
• Unusual Symptoms: Watch for signs like lethargy, pale gums, or dark-colored urine. These could indicate a rare reaction affecting red blood cells and should be checked by a vet.

Keep the Stink Outside

As tempting as it is to rush your dog indoors, resist the urge. Skunk odor can quickly spread through your home and cling to furniture, carpets, and clothing. Keep your dog outside while you assess the situation and prepare to clean them up.

How to Remove Skunk Smell from Your Dog

Feeds’n Needs carries products to help remove skunk smell, but you can also whip up a DIY solution that’s surprisingly effective. Here’s a tried-and-true homemade remedy:

Ingredients:

• 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap

Instructions:

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl (do not store — it can build pressure).
2. Apply the mixture to your dog’s fur, avoiding the eyes and ears.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
4. Follow up with a full bath using pet shampoo and conditioner.

Note: This mixture may lighten dark fur temporarily and can damage fabrics, so use with care.

Alternative Option: Vinegar Rinse

If you don’t have hydrogen peroxide on hand, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply and rinse as above.

If DIY isn’t your thing, Feeds’n Needs carries a range of skunk odor removal products, including:

• Skouts Honor® Skunk Odor Eliminator
• Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover Spray & Shampoo
• Loona Pet Atomizer
• De-Skunk Odor Destroying Shampoo

Availability may vary by location, so check with your local store.

Special Care for the Face

When treating your dog’s face, be extra cautious. Avoid getting any cleaning solution near their eyes, ears, or nose. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the affected areas, and rinse with water if needed. If irritation persists, contact your vet.

Prevention Tips: Keep Skunks Away

The best way to deal with skunk spray? Avoid it altogether. Here are some tips to make your yard less inviting to skunks:

• Secure food sources: Store pet food and bird seed in sealed containers.
• Block hiding spots: Close off access to decks, sheds, and wood piles.
• Use deterrents: Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can scare skunks away.
• Discourage denning: Stuff suspected holes with leaves or paper, or sprinkle kitty litter nearby.

Conclusion

Getting skunked is never fun — for you or your dog. But with a little patience, the right cleaning method, and a watchful eye for any health concerns, your pup will be back to their usual self in no time. And next time they go sniffing around the yard, hopefully they’ll think twice before getting too close to a skunk.