DO NOT GET YOUR DOG WET.....

There is a reason you don't get your dog wet directly after it was skunked. Here is why!

Keep your pet outside while washing them because the oils from the skunk's spray can be difficult to remove from fabric. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog gets sprayed directly in the eyes or mouth. Severely skunked dogs should be monitored for signs such as lethargy, weakness and lack of appetite.

To de-skunk a dog, you can mix the following ingredients to create a homemade solution:

1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide

1/4 cup of baking soda

1–2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid

Here are some tips for using this mixture: 

  • Wear gloves: Wear rubber gloves when mixing and applying the solution.
  • Apply immediately: Mix the ingredients in an open container and apply the solution as soon as it starts to bubble.
  • Avoid eyes: Be careful not to get the solution in your dog's eyes. If your dog's face was sprayed, you can rinse their eyes with cool water.
  • Avoid fabric: Hydrogen peroxide can bleach fabric and clothing.
  • Avoid storing: Do not store the mixture or make it ahead of time, as it could explode if left in a bottle.
  • Consider your dog's fur color: Hydrogen peroxide can lighten the fur of black dogs, making them appear bronze. This effect is more noticeable on black or brown dogs. (should not be an issue if left on under 10 min)
  • Consider other remedies: If you don't have the ingredients on hand, you can try diluting white vinegar with water.

Why does this work?? Oil removes oil. Dawn is an oil based soap that strips oil from the fur. The hair shaft stays closed, due to the oils in the soap, allowing you to remove the odors.


Using the remedy works - As long as you DO NOT get the dog wet first.


This is important because wetting the skin and coat allows the pores of their skin to open and the skunk spray to get inside. This means everytime they get wet, they will smell. It takes a long time and many baths to neutralize them once they get wet.