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It stinks when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, but hold off on reaching for a can of tomato juice. There is a better solution that targets the odor on a microscopic level, and you can find many of its ingredients in your home.
In This Article
What Not to Do Right After a Skunk Sprays Your Dog
After your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, don’t bring them into the house and rinse them off in the bathtub. This might be your first instinct and seems like a quick fix. But skunk spray becomes especially potent when it interacts with water. The result could make your home reek of burnt rubber and rotten eggs for days!
For that reason, most vet clinics won’t welcome you and your skunk-sprayed dog into their facility with open arms. It’ll make their hospital reek as well. There is an exception: if the your dog’s eyes are involved and urgent care is needed. Always call ahead and ask for advice before bringing your dog in to be seen.
Steps to Take When Your Dog Gets Sprayed by a Skunk
Your dog’s health is a top priority after they’ve been sprayed by a skunk. Before mixing the deodorizing solution outlined above, check their eyes for redness, swelling, and excessive tearing.
“Dogs commonly experience eye irritation, squinting, and temporary vision changes [after being sprayed]. If that occurs, flush with sterile saline,” says Dr. Ashly Smith, Regional Medical Director at Small Door Veterinary.
Using or Making a Deodorizer
Your veterinarian may sell a commercial deodorizer for you to apply to your dog at your home. You can also carefully mix a homemade version:
“The most effective method is a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap (1 quart peroxide + ¼ cup baking soda + 1 to 2 tsp dish soap),” explains Dr. Smith. “It chemically neutralizes the sulfur compounds in skunk spray. Apply carefully, avoid the eyes, let [it sit for] 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse.”
After Ensuring Your Dog’s Eyes Are Unharmed
Once you’ve ensured that your dog’s eyes don’t require veterinary attention:
- Mix the deodorizing solution
- Designate a place to bathe your dog, ideally outdoors or away from the home, like in a barn or garage
- Thoroughly work the solution into your dog’s coat. You may have to repeat this process multiple times.
- After the deodorizer has sat for about 5–10 minutes, rinse your dog thoroughly.
- Only after using the skunk deodorizer, bathe your dog with regular pet shampoo to remove any remaining residue or odors.
- Rinse completely, then thoroughly dry your dog.
Thoroughly rinsing your dog and properly applying the solution is critical. If the solution isn’t applied enough or is too diluted, you may find yourself smelling something fishy later.
“[Skunk spray] molecules are extremely pungent and persistent. Some forms (thioacetates) can even ‘reactivate’ with water, which is why the smell can return after bathing if not fully neutralized,” says Dr. Smith.
Possible Health Risks from Skunk Encounters
Skunks are more than their smelly defense mechanisms. They can also carry a host of diseases that can pose serious health risks, further emphasizing the importance of preventing wild animal encounters.
“Rabies is the biggest concern, so ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations,” says Dr. Smith. “Skunks can also carry Leptospira bacteria, distemper virus, and external parasites, depending on the region.”
Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that dogs can contract from the urine of certain animals, such as raccoons and skunks. Distemper is a viral, often fatal disease that attacks multiple body systems. External parasites, such as fleas and ticks, can also carry their own internal parasites, including tapeworms.
“Rarely, dogs can have nausea, drooling, or, in high-volume exposures, skunk toxic shock syndrome, a serious but uncommon condition requiring urgent care,” explains Dr. Smith.
Skunk toxic shock syndrome refers to methemoglobinemia, severe anemia that can develop within a few hours to 24 hours of being sprayed by a skunk. Here, the chemicals in the spray cause oxidative damage to red blood cells and cause organ damage. A key symptom of this condition (in addition to weakness) is chocolate-colored gums.
Always consult your dog’s veterinarian if you’re concerned about their health after being sprayed by a skunk.
How to Prevent Skunk Encounters
If your dog has a nose for mischief, there’s plenty you can do to prevent further smelly situations.
Start by assessing your dog’s behavior while they’re outdoors. Dr. Smith explains that while certain breeds aren’t more likely to get sprayed by skunks than others, certain behaviors can put them more at risk.
“Curious, prey-driven, or outdoor-exploring dogs (like terriers and hounds) tend to have more encounters,” says Dr. Smith.
So, if you’re the proud owner of a Beagle, Bloodhound, or Wire Fox Terrier, you may consider changing some aspects of their walks and outside play.
“Supervise pets at dusk and dawn, when skunks are most active,” recommends Dr. Smith. “Secure trash and outdoor food sources, clean up brush piles, and block access under decks or sheds. Motion-activated lights can help deter wildlife, though no deterrent is 100% reliable.”
Skunks can spray anywhere from 7 to 15 feet. If you take walks with your dog when it’s dark, consider keeping them on a short leash to limit any prey-driven behaviors, such as stalking or lunging. You may also carry a high-lumen flashlight if you encounter a skunk; as mostly nocturnal creatures, bright lights are disorienting and may cause them to sprint rather than spray.
Other Things to Know About Skunk Sprays
While there are many commercial deodorizers safe for long-term storage, you must use the peroxide/baking soda/dish soap solution immediately after mixing it. Storing it in a closed container risks explosion.
Additionally, after your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, you should:
- Take special care to avoid getting soap, shampoos, or the solution into your dog’s eyes
- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide stronger than 3%, as it could irritate your dog’s skin
- Don’t leave the peroxide solution on your dog’s coat for too long; it could bleach their fur or hair!
Dr. Smith has another tip. She notes that you shouldn’t shave your dog after they get sprayed by a skunk.
“The spray sits on the coat surface and responds well to bathing. Shaving usually isn’t helpful and can irritate the skin,” she says.
Consult a Veterinarian if You Have Any Concerns
Skunks are generally docile, but they may result to their own take on pepper spray to ward off predators – even if it’s just your friendly Labrador Retriever! When mischief strikes, there are many at-home remedies and commercial products that can help your dog smell like themselves again.
“Avoid tomato juice, strong household cleaners, bleach, or ammonia,” explains Dr. Smith. “They’re ineffective or irritating. Don’t get the dog wet before applying a neutralizing solution, as water can worsen the odor. And try to keep the dog off furniture before cleaning.”
Consult your veterinary team if you have concerns about rabies, parasites, or toxicity after a skunk-related incident.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t rinse your dog with water before using a neutralizing solution.
- A peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap mixture works best.
- Check your dog’s eyes and overall health first.
- Some skunk-related health risks require veterinary attention.
- Prevention focuses on supervision and reducing wildlife attractants.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is tomato juice effective for skunk smell?
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No. Tomato juice masks odor temporarily but doesn’t neutralize the sulfur compounds that cause the smell.
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Will vinegar remove skunk smell from a dog?
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No. Vinegar may reduce odor briefly, but it doesn’t neutralize skunk spray, and the smell can return.
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Can skunk smell come back after bathing?
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Yes. If the spray isn’t fully neutralized, certain compounds can reactivate when wet.
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Should I take my dog to the vet after a skunk spray?
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Call your veterinarian if your dog’s eyes were sprayed, they seem ill, or you’re concerned about rabies or other diseases.
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Can skunk spray harm my dog?
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Most cases are limited to odor and irritation, but rare complications like toxic shock syndrome can occur and require immediate care.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.