Skunk Forest

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Living in Oak Forest near the forest preserves, it seems we are over run during the warmer months of the year with skunks. I wanted to provide a tried and true method that works best when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk.

There are 2 key details in this tutorial that I cannot stress enough:

  • Time is of the essence. ACT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE
  • DO NOT GET YOUR DOG WET. Do not apply water until after you neutralize the odor.

Below is a list of ingredients and materials you should have on hand:

  • 1 quart hydrogen peroxide
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 2 teapspoons Dawn dish soap (blue)
  • latex gloves
  • saline solution

Mix the peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap together. Do not ever pre mix this solution or save any leftover solution. This combination in a closed container can be explosive. What you can and should do is make a kit containing all the ingredients, so you are able to mix the solution quickly in the event that your dog is sprayed. The faster you are able to apply the solution, the better. 

Once you realize your dog has been sprayed, leave the dog outside, if possible, while you prepare the solution and the area of the house where you will apply it. Do not allow your dog to come into contact with furniture or any fabric in the house, as the oil in the skunk’s spray is very easily absorbed. A good place to apply the solution may be in a laundry room/mud room or a bathroom. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS TO NOT GET THE DOG WET. Putting water on the effected area will only allow the oil from the skunk spray to further absorb into the hair follicle and the solution will not be effective in neutralizing the odor. 

Put on latex gloves. Your hands will smell for days without gloves. If your dog was sprayed in the face, flush eyes and nose with saline solution. You'll want to take care not to get the solution in your dog's eyes, but in the event that you do, you can also use the saline solution to flush the eye. 

Once the solution is mixed, sponge it on the effected area with a wash rag. You can also throw your dog’s collar in the bowl of solution while you are working into the coat. Again, remember you are applying the solution directly without water. Leave the solution to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Do not leave the solution on for an extended period of time. The peroxide may start to discolor the coat. 

Rinse the solution with water and proceed to bathe your dog using your normal dog shampoo. 

I have used this method on my personal dog, and as a professional groomer, I can say this is the best method out there. With that, I send you luck that you never have to use this tutorial, but it is also good to have your kit ready and prepared should the event arise!

At The Grooming Studio, I do provide additional weapons to help you. With our skunk bath package, we provide a professional grade deodorizing spray and neutralizing shampoo to combat the stink.