How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell

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.

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.

Tags : Home And Garden