If your dog has had an unpleasant encounter with a skunk, you certainly need an effective skunk spray removal for dogs. Skunks are dreadful for dog owners. Particularly during the summer, when their altercations and sightings increase. During the colder season, they retreat into semi-hibernation and prefer to live underground in dens.
As dreadful as skunks may be, they are not aggressive. In fact, they would rather run than fight. But that is not to say they are not defensive. When skunks feel threatened, they release an irritating spray up to 16 feet away as a defense mechanism. The thick yellow spray it releases, also known as mercaptan, contains sulfur hence its odiferous smell.
Often, it is the dog’s face that gets the largest share of the unpleasant coating of mercaptans. That’s because the skunk releases the spray with its butt and head facing the dog.
Few things smell worse than skunk spray! That’s why it’s essential to have the right tips for skunk spray removal for dogs. Here are my tips below.
What Neutralizes Skunk Smell?
There are a couple of remedies to get skunk smell off dog. However, you’ll need to act quickly for the best results. One of the most effective solutions relies on the combined power of hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and baking soda. Other common methods include using tomato juice, water and Massengill, and using skunk-specific soaker, shampoo, or spray.
Hydrogen Peroxide + Dish Soap + Baking Soda
First, mix the following ingredients in an open container:
- One teaspoon of dish soap
- A quarter cup of baking soda
- One quart of three percent hydrogen peroxide
Wearing rubber gloves, thoroughly cleanse the dog by massaging the solution deep in the affected areas. This will weaken the oils from the skunk spray. The hydrogen peroxide will react with mercaptan and release oxygen radicals to neutralize the odiferous scent.
Take care not to get the mixture into your dog’s mouth, eyes, or ears as it may be harmful. Avoid smoking while using the mixture, using the mixture in a closed container, or allowing the mixture to settle for a long time as this may cause bleaching on your dog’s fur.
After applying the solution, give it five to ten minutes to settle, then rinse the dog with lukewarm water. Next, give the dog a proper wash using dog shampoo and rinse it. If necessary, repeat the process using the mixture to completely get skunk smell off dog.
Skunk-Specific Soaker, Shampoo, Or Spray
A skunk shampoo, soaker or spray is a specially designed skunk odor remover for dogs. You can find it on amazon, from your local veterinarian, and other places that stock pet supplies. (It might be a good idea to buy a skunk shampoo beforehand if you live in a skunk-infested area.)
The instructions for applying the skunk spray removal for dogs may vary depending on the producer. To begin the application, first wipe off excess skunk spray from the affected areas. Read the skunk shampoo manufacturer’s instructions and follow them accordingly.
Again, you want to avoid the skunk shampoo getting into your dog’s eye as this might damage its cornea and cause ulceration. Consult your veterinarian if you need to repeat bathing.
Tomato Juice
Keep in mind that if your dog is white, they might temporarily turn orange following this procedure. But if your primary objective is to get skunk smell off dog and you don’t mind the color change, we can proceed.
First, thoroughly wash your dog using ordinary dog shampoo. Next, dry him and apply tomato juice on the affected areas. Give the tomato juice about 15 to 20 minutes to soak in, then rinse it out. Follow up by bathing the dog again with shampoo.
How Long Does It Take For Skunk Spray To Get Off A Dog?
It takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for skunk spray to get off a dog. One explanation why skunk spray stays on your dog for this long is that the sulfur atoms bond with the atoms they encounter, thus the prolonged odor. There are some instances where it might take months for skunk spray to get off a dog. To achieve faster results, you might want to use a skunk spray removal for dogs like De-Skunk.
How To Prevent Your Dog From Getting Skunked Again
There is no method or technique you can use to guarantee that your dog never gets skunked again. However, there are some measures you can take to reduce the likelihood it happens.
- Set up automated sprinklers in your yard and program them to run during the night to make it a less-desirable place for skunk while you’re asleep.
- Set solar lights to remain on during the night as a way to discourage skunks from visiting during off hours.
- Consider leaving a light out in the yard or walking your dog out when it’s dark.
- Store any dog treats or food indoors during the night and make sure to cover all the trash cans so that the scent of food doesn’t lure skunks.
Final Word for Skunk Spray Removal
Skunk smell is a menace that affects several households. More so, if you have a dog and they end up with skunk spray on their face while trying to keep your home safe. Whether mild or strong, this smell can make an area a health hazard or unliveable for its occupants.
The good news is that you can resolve the issue using the tips we’ve outlined above. Pay attention not to get any products into your dog’s mouth, eyes, or ears because it might cause irreparable damage.
