Has your dog ever been sprayed by a skunk? Even if not, knowing how to handle it before it happens will make your life simpler... You may have heard of skunk odor remedies like tomato juice or vinegar, but they really just cover up the odor. You can remove the odor from your dog using household items. It's all thanks to chemist Paul Krebaum, who developed the recipe in 1993. Skunk spray is very oily and contains sulfur (hence the stench). This recipe causes a chemical reaction that breaks up the oils and neutralizes the odor.
Time is of the essence here - the longer you wait to begin the process, the harder it will be to remove the smell. Once you realize your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, put on a pair of gloves and check for any bites or scratches. Also check the eyes for redness or discharge. If any injuries are found or you think your dog has been fighting with the skunk and not just sprayed, contact us before proceeding. Skunks can carry rabies and rabies is transmitted usually through bite wounds, so you should not handle your dog if there are any injuries found.
In the plastic container, combine 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid soap (like Dawn, do not use antibacterial formulas). For larger dogs you may need to double/triple the recipe) Mix ingredients well. The solution will fizz, as a chemical reaction is occurring. Use immediately - do not store.
Do not soak your dog with water prior to bathing. Promptly begin cleansing the affected areas thoroughly, massaging the solution deep into your dog's coat. You may wish to use a sponge or washcloth. Avoid getting the solution in the eyes, ears or mouth. Allow the solution to remain on your dog for at least five minutes (longer if strong odor persists). Rinse your dog well with lukewarm water. Repeat steps 3-5 as necessary until odor is gone.
Tips:
NEVER place the solution in a closed container or spray bottle, as the pressure will build up and the container could burst. This could cause serious injury to you and your dog.
DO NOT use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or substitute baking soda with "similar" products. The altered chemical reaction could cause severe injury to you and your dog.
Be certain you use fresh hydrogen peroxide, as it becomes less concentrated over time. If you are unsure how old your hydrogen peroxide is (or if it is expired) get fresh bottles just in case.
The solution can be used to remove skunk odor from clothing and other fabrics. However, it can have a mild bleaching effect on some materials. In addition, your dog's coat may become slightly lighter as a result of the solution. If this happens, it should resolve over time.