Formula to De-Skunk Your Dog

De-skunking your dog can eliminate the repulsive smell.
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If Fido hasn't yet had an encounter with a skunk, he might be tempted to chase after the furry creature. When the skunk feels threatened, he'll most likely surprise your pet companion with a spraying of his special perfume. The yellow, smelly, oily secretion will stick to your dog's fur, and just washing your dog with dog shampoo isn't going to get rid of the stench. If you don't have commercial de-skunking products on hand, make your own de-skunking potion. Before you know it, Fido will smell like himself again.

Making the De-Skunking Potion

Place 1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in a bucket. Avoid using a bottle to make the formula, because it will bubble and have a chemical reaction that might burst the bottle.

Add 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent to the bucket and mix the ingredients together.

Use the formula on a small dog as soon as you finish making it. Double the recipe if you have a medium-size dog, and triple it if you have a large dog.

Using the De-Skunking Potion

Wear old clothes and rubber gloves, because when handling your smelly dog, the skunk smell might get on your clothes and hands.

Put a leash on your dog and tie the end of the leash to a secure object near an outside faucet. This keeps your dog still while you're cleaning him, and he won't be able to run inside the house and spread the foul smell.

Rub the bubbling de-skunking formula on the affected areas of your pet companion's fur, avoiding his eyes, nose and mouth. If possible, rub the formula only on the affected area to prevent spreading the skunk smell all over your dog's coat.

Rinse your dog's fur with water as soon as possible. Avoid leaving the de-skunking potion on his fur too long, because it might bleach it.

Wash your furry friend with dog shampoo and towel-dry him, placing him in a warm room to fully dry. Alternatively, use a blow-dryer if he has a long coat.

Tips

  • If your clothes end up smelling like skunk spray, wash them with laundry detergent mixed with 1/2 cup baking soda.

    Prevent skunk encounters -- don't walk your dog near wooded areas and don't let him roam the yard at dusk or dawn. Make noise and turn lights on outside before letting your dog in the yard. Don't leave dog food outside and secure outside garbage cans with lids.

Warnings

  • Consult a veterinarian if your dog was sprayed directly in his eyes, because skunk spray might cause temporary blindness and can cause damage to the cornea of your dog's eyes.

Warnings

  • Consult a veterinarian if your dog was sprayed directly in his eyes, because skunk spray might cause temporary blindness and can cause damage to the cornea of your dog's eyes.

Tips

  • If your clothes end up smelling like skunk spray, wash them with laundry detergent mixed with 1/2 cup baking soda.

  • Prevent skunk encounters -- don't walk your dog near wooded areas and don't let him roam the yard at dusk or dawn. Make noise and turn lights on outside before letting your dog in the yard. Don't leave dog food outside and secure outside garbage cans with lids.

Items You Will Need

  • 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
  • Bucket
  • Baking soda
  • Dish detergent
  • Old clothes
  • Rubber gloves
  • Leash
  • Dog shampoo
  • Towel or blow-dryer