How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Dogs

by Rhomylly Forbes

Overview

Sometimes old wives' tales aren't true after all, and one example is that dousing your skunk-sprayed dog with tomato juice will get rid of the smell (one can only shudder at the thought of how many white dogs have been temporarily dyed orange by their well-meaning owners). When Febreeze came on the market, apparently no few dog owners tried that as an antidote to skunk stink in dog fur, but ultimately it doesn't work either. And while citric acid (found in lemon or orange juice) can dissolve a variety of substances, skunk musk is not one of them.

Step 1

Make the solution. Mix the hydrogen peroxide, the baking soda and the soap thoroughly in a large plastic pitcher. Make sure the pitcher has a lid so if the solution is knocked over during the ensuing bath, it will not be lost.
Step 2

Wash the dog. Use the solution as you would soap (only use it much more liberally) and thoroughly wash your dog.
Step 3

Rinse the dog. Rinse all the soapy solution off your dog and sniff. Repeat Steps 1 and/or 2 if necessary until the dog smells only like wet dog.
Step 4

Dry your dog. Towel dry your dog as much as he will let you after the indignity of a bath, and release.

3
1 quart hydrogen peroxide 1/4 cup baking soda 1 teaspoon liquid hand soap or dish detergent Large plastic pitcher with lid Dog bathing area (yard or bathtub) Water Towels
1 quart hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon liquid hand soap or dish detergent
Large plastic pitcher with lid
Dog bathing area (yard or bathtub)
Water
Towels
Wash your dog immediately after mixing the solution. If it is allowed to sit even for a few hours, it won't work as well, if at all. If you have a very large or very shaggy dog, double the amount of solution you make.
Wash your dog immediately after mixing the solution. If it is allowed to sit even for a few hours, it won't work as well, if at all.
If you have a very large or very shaggy dog, double the amount of solution you make.