Skunk Spray Remedies

Living the country lifestyle means interacting with all manners of nature. That includes skunks. If your canine gets sprayed by the cute yet stinky mammal, there are a few remedies you can try to remove that caustic odor.

What is Skunk Spray

Essentially, it’s a chemical sprayed from two glands positioned on either side of the skunks posterior. The spray is a mixture of sulfur chemicals that is strong enough to ward of bears. Plus, it as the bonus effect or ruining a relaxing evening.

Keep Your Pooch Calm and Outside

They’ll want to come inside for protection and comfort, but that will bring the skunk smell indoors and ruin your furniture and carpet. Instead, put Fido into a dog run or other comforting place.

Check Your Dog’s Eyes

Chances are the spray temporarily blinded them and could be causing respiratory inflammation. This means their eyes will be very irritated and they may have a hard time breathing. If possible, rinse their eyes out with water. You might also consider calling your veterinarian for advice.

Tomato Juice

It’s not the best remedy, but tomato juice can help pull the skunk spray and smell off your dog and you. Pour the juice over your dog, rub it in and rinse it off. It will take several tries to get some of the smell out.

Vanilla Extract

Mix a cup of vanilla extract with a gallon of water and let your pooch soak in the solution for 15 minutes. Then wash your dog with their usual canine shampoo and rinse.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Depending on the size of your dog, mix two parts water and 1 part apple cider vinegar. Rinse Ruff down with water then work the vinegar solution into their coat. Let it sit there for several minutes. Finally, rinse everything off. Repeat the steps if the smell persists.

#1 Remedy: Humane Society Recipe

While downhome remedies like the ones above can work when done enough times, the Human Society has a special recipe that has been proven to be effective. It includes:

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

Mix the ingredients and scrub your dog down thoroughly. Then rinse. Repeat as needed. Be sure to keep the mixture out of their eyes. Finally, dry them off with a towel and show them plenty of affection.

Coastal tip: do not mix and store these ingredients to use later. When combined and contained, they can expand and explode. 

Keep Skunks Away

To keep skunks from trespassing on your property, hang a strong-smelling room deodorizer in your outbuildings and around wood piles.

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