De-Skunking Your Dog

The Humane Society of the United States

Step 1: Keep your pet outside

While you prepare the de-skunking solution, keep your dog outside after being sprayed so it doesn't carry the smell into your house. Check pet’s eyes; if they're irritated or red, immediately flush them with cool water.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Mix together:

• 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide (available at your local pharmacy)

• 1/4 cup baking soda

• 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap

Wearing rubber gloves, wash your dog with this solution immediately after it has been sprayed. DO NOT get the solution in the dog's eyes. (If you don't have peroxide, baking soda, and liquid soap on hand, use vinegar diluted with water.)

Caution: Do NOT save this mixture or make it ahead of time, as the mixture could explode if left in a bottle.

Step 3: Clean and rinse

Rub the mixture through your dog’s fur, but don't leave it on your pet too long (peroxide can bleach their fur). Rinse your pet thoroughly.

Step 4: Shampoo

Next, wash your dog with pet shampoo and rinse thoroughly. By now, your pet should be de-skunked and smelling sweet. Thoroughly towel-dry your dog, and be sure to place your pet in a warm, sunny room for the next couple of hours so that your pet doesn't get chilled. Use a large dry towel for your pet to lie on. If you dog has long fur, you may need to use a hair dryer to dry his fur.

Owner cleanup

If your dog rubbed some of the stink onto you, you can rid your clothes of the smell by using regular laundry detergent mixed with a half-cup of baking soda.

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