How To Get Skunk Smell Off Dogs in 5 Steps

If you’ve ever experienced the dreaded skunk smell on your dog, you know how difficult it can be to remove. It’s not just a passing annoyance; the odor of skunk can linger for days, keeping your poor pup from getting the cuddles they deserve. To make matters worse, most store-bought remedies can leave your dog’s fur dry and brittle.

Fortunately, there is a way to banish the skunk smell for good! In this article, we’ll share our top-rated DIY techniques for getting the skunk smell off your dog in five easy steps. With just a few simple ingredients from your kitchen, you can restore your pup’s fur—and your nose—to its pre-skunk state.

Step 1: Ventilate the Area

The first step to removing the skunk smell is to ventilate the area. This means opening windows or doors and turning on fans to help move the smell out of the space. It may take some time for the smell to dissipate completely, but it should clear out relatively quickly. 

Step 2: Mix Cleaning Solution 

Once you’ve done all you can to ventilate the area, it’s time to create a cleaning solution that can help neutralize the odor on your pet. Mix one quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and one teaspoon of liquid dish soap to make the solution. This combination is incredibly effective for neutralizing skunk odors on dogs. 

Step 3: Wet the Dog 

Once your cleaning solution is ready, put on waterproof gloves and wet your dog with lukewarm water from a hose or bucket – avoiding their eyes and nose! Begin at their neck area and work down their body, saturating their fur as needed. 

Step 4: Wash the Dog 

Now that your dog is adequately saturated, apply liberal amounts of your cleaning solution mixture to their coat – again, avoiding their eyes and nose! Massage the solution into their fur for three minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. We suggest gently circular motions when massaging the solution to ensure it reaches all affected areas!  

Step 5: Dry and Groom the Dog 

Your last step is drying and grooming your dog once they’ve been washed with the cleaning solution! Start by thoroughly toweling them off – including between their toes – then use an absorbent blow dryer on its lowest setting around the affected areas for 15 minutes or so to dry them completely! Once your pup is dry, give them a good brushing (you may even want to use a dog deodorizer), and voila! The skunk smell should be gone!

Getting the skunk smell off your dog doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Your pup can smell sweet again with a few simple steps and the right products. Whether you choose to create your solution or buy specialized products, the steps outlined above will help you tackle the source of this stinky problem quickly and efficiently. Plus, the prevention tips discussed in this post can help you avoid finding yourself in this situation in the first place! So next time your pup gets sprayed, you can rest assured, knowing that you’ll be able to get rid of that smelly odor in no time.