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How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell
(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
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Did you or your pet get skunked? Well, you could change your dog’s name to puppy le pew… …or you can read on and learn how to eliminate the skunk smell yourself. After you’ve gotten rid of the smell, bounce on over and read How to get rid of skunks so you never have to do this again!
Skunk smell removal
This page lists some of the most effective baths for removing skunk smell. They can be used on both people and pets. Here’s some things to keep in mind if when treating a skunked animal:
- The sooner you wash your pet, the easier it will be to remove the musk.
- Take care not to get any of the bath water into the eyes or ears - it burns. A small amount of vaseline applied to the eyebrows is effective for protecting the eyes.
- If you must pick up your animal to wash in the sink or bathtub, use a towel to avoid getting skunked yourself.
- Don’t let your pet touch anything inside of your house unless you want it to smell like skunk.
Peroxide/baking soda bath
This is currently the most effective de-skunking bath, but the peroxide can potentially bleach your animals fur. Lemon juice or white vinegar can be substituted for the peroxide, but they don’t work as well.
In the bathtub or a bucket, mix together:
- 1 gallon water
- 1 quart hydrogen peroxide ~3% solution
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 good squirt of hand or dish soap
The mixture will fizz. Use a sponge and lather it into the fur/skin taking care to avoid the ears and eyes. Let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse and repeat.
Orange bath
Blend 5-10 oranges in a blender, mix with a little soap and lather up with the resulting liquid. Let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse, then wash with regular shampoo.
Soda bath
Some people swear by bathing their animals in soda. We’ve heard of people using sprite and coke but haven’t yet tested it ourselves. Work the soda into the fur, rinse and then wash with regular shampoo. Repeat as needed and let us know how this one works.
Commercial skunk smell removers
Of all the commercially available skunk odor removers, Nature’s Miracle always seems to get the most praise. Find it in your local pet store.
Have another remedy? Contribute it below for the benefit of all.
How do you get skunk oder out of fabrics like coats (leather).
This is for people like some of my neighbors who have not trained their dogs to come inside let alone stand still for an intense body bath.
If Cesar the dog whisperer isn’t a close friend, you might have to think this one out ahead of time because you will have to be able to mix all of those chemicals (just joking) together without drinking the orange juice, anointing Mr. Jencks without getting the smell on yourself and to find three fearless friends with no sense of smell.
If your dog has passed a six pack of obedience classes you are lucky.
1st tip, remember that the skunk smell stayed on because… it was the first thing to soak into the dry hair. So in removing the smell, apply a STRONG good smell directly to the affected area first! Then, use the processes above… Dry the dog VERY WELL, and repeat the exact process again if the smell persisted. But I’d use a good smelling quality dog shampoo, not dish soap, PLEASE! You may create more problems for your pet and your vet bill! The peroxide, B. Soda, Soda pop, are all safe. As far as getting the smell out of your house. Can’t help ya! Sorry! Nose plugs!
Good luck!
The best product I found for getting rid of skunk odors is BioWorld’s BON-CC-41. It worked great. I had tried many products before I finally gave up and tried this one. I had to have it shipped so it did take some time to get it. The other solutions helped to reduce the odors but it did not eliminate it completely. BioWorld worked like a charm! It is completely safe to use on dogs. I was concerned about the eyes since she was sprayed around the face but BioWorld told me that it will not damage it. It is even safer than shampoo and will not do any damage! I LOVE this product! I even use it around the house, like on the carpet and in the laundry!
http://www.adbio.com/pet/skunked.htm
I have two cats and have tried everything. I recently found an amazing new product called Room Shocker. It not only took the urine smell out but it also helped with my husband’s allergies. It seems that it completely purifies the air and eliminates any severe bad odors right at the source. I ordered it online from a website called BiocideSystems.com. The best part was I didn’t have to scrub anything. Very low maintenance just leave it in a room for a few hours, come back and the smell is gone!
This product seems to work well for all severe bad odors.
In his vigilence to protect house and home, Zeus, our husky/border collie cross was skunked at 4:10 yesterday morning. Having being skunked prior to Zues,I reached for the cure we used last time, which was toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, which has worked in the past, but depending on size and hair type, you go through a lot of toothpaste! So Zeus was coke-bathed a few times during the day and it has taken the majority of the smell away…a little remains around his snout, but think that might have something to do with the coke being licked as we bathed. Have heard good things about the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide concoction.
I do not have a tip but a question! My Akita got sprayed by a skunk about a week ago and i tried the dawn dish soap and dag shampoos.. Does anyone know if its too late to get the remaining smell out?
Dogs and skunks. What a wonderful combination to bring nature into the house. Well, a very light hint of skunk odor would smell like freshly brewing Starbucks but this is one I wouldn’t want to get myself close to. My Chihuahua was one brave dog: No skunks left behind. Well, she got behind. Now, it’s a skunk nation in the house. So we stay in the out-house.
Thank you, I have searched different places for deskunking the odor and seems like Peroxide + Soap + baking soda mixture has been the popular suggestion. Or else, I’ll go to Petsmart for some deskunking solution for my dog. And for myself.
My dog got sprayed about midnight tonight. I’ve tried tomato juice, the peroxide mixture, regular dog shampoo, soda, and everything in between. Nothing works. He still smells and now my house does too.
I’m going to the store tomorrow to buy some Nature’s Miracle. If it works, it’s well worth the money. I HATE SKUNKS!!!!!!!!!
jothenia u probably should take him or her to the vet. Hopefully they will be able to take out the musk from the dogs eyes. if it was my dog i would take him to the vet