How to Remove Skunk Odor from Your Dog

  • By: socialdoggyclub
  • Date: August 30, 2022

How would you react if you found out that your dog was covered in skunk stink? Would you want to wash him immediately or wait until he has had time to rest and recover from the stench? The answer to both questions is no. If you don’t clean your pet after they come into contact with skunks, you risk spreading the odor around your home.

Skunks are notorious for their strong musky scent. They spray this pungent liquid through glands located under their tails. This substance contains chemicals called quinones, which cause irritation to humans and animals. These chemicals also linger in the air for hours, even days.

Skunk spray is very dangerous to pets. Even though dogs and cats can tolerate some amount of skunk spray, prolonged exposure can result in vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, seizures, coma, and death.

Contents

What Causes The Skunky Odor?

The noxious odor of skunk spray smells like rotten eggs and rotten fish. But what really makes it stink? The answer lies in chemistry. Skunks are known for spraying a foul smelling liquid that stinks up everything around them, including people. And you know how it gets rid of that smell? By emitting a chemical compound that smells just like rotten eggs.

In fact, the skunk spray actually smells much better than rotten eggs. In addition to the sulfuric acid and ammonia, there are some chemicals that make it smell like rotten fish. One of those chemicals is thioacetate. Thioacetate gives off a strong odor similar to that of rotten eggs, but it doesn’t last long. Instead, it transforms into thiols, which are responsible for the smell we associate with skunk spray.

That’s why the smell lingers. Once you’re covered in the stuff, it takes a while for the thiols to break down. So, if you’ve been sprayed by a skunk, you might want to wear gloves and wash yourself thoroughly.

What To Do If Your Dog Gets Skunked

The skunk spray usually stays on your dog’s coat until you wash him off. If he eats something with skunk residue, like grass clippings, he might vomit, and if he drinks the stuff, his urine could turn yellowish. You can try washing your dog with soap and warm water, but don’t use shampoo; it won’t help much.

If your dog’s eyes are affected, you should take him to the vet immediately. Skunks are known to cause eye infections. He might also develop diarrhea because of the strong smell. If the problem persists, contact the Humane Society.

How Can You Get Rid Of Skunk Odor On a Dog?

If you’re dealing with a skunk problem, you’ll want to do what you can to eliminate the odor. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to cover up the stench without getting too close to the animal.

The best option is to use a commercial product designed specifically for skunk removal. These products work because they contain ingredients that absorb the skunk scent. You can find these products online, but we recommend shopping around for the best deal.

Once you’ve found one that works well enough, remember to keep the solution away from your pet’s eyes and nose. If you accidentally spray the liquid into your dog’s eyes, he could suffer serious damage.

The Humane Society suggests washing your dog with a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. You can mix up a batch of this stuff yourself, or you can buy it readymade.

Another option you might consider is to put some baking soda in a bowl of water and place it near the affected areas. Baking soda absorbs odors, and it helps to clean out the pores of your dog’s skin.

How to Remove Skunk Smell from the Inside the House

The most important thing to do is open all of your windows and allow plenty of light into your home to help speed up the process of oxidation. If you live in a particularly smelly area, consider opening your windows every morning and evening to keep the air circulating around the house. You could also try running the fan in your central heat or air conditioning unit to circulate the air.

Finally, place bowls of vinegar in each affected room for two or three nights. This will kill off the bacteria associated with the smell and prevent future odors from forming.

How to Remove Skunk Odor from The Yard

If you suspect that your skunk has sprayed in your yard, you’ll need to do more than just open the windows. The smell will travel through the ground and seep into the soil. It may be possible to dig up the contaminated dirt and dispose of it properly, but you’ll have to check with your local waste disposal company first.

You can also try using an enzyme-based fertilizer to neutralize the effects of the skunk spray. Some companies sell these products as “skunk killer,” so make sure you read the instructions carefully before applying them.

You can also apply a skunk repellent directly to the lawn. There are many different brands available, but we suggest trying the ones that are labeled “safe for pets.”

Dog Training Tips For First-Time Dog Owners

If you've decided to bring a dog into your home, you have a lot to look forward to. Being a Read more

10 Awesome Halloween Costume Ideas For Your Dog

Let your dog join in on the fun of Halloween. Remember to take them trick or dog treating! Article Image Read more

How To Keep Your Dog Healthy

Having a dog can be a blessing. A dog can bring a lot of joy and happiness to your life. Read more

8 Treats For The Fall Season Your Dog Will Love

1. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Banana Dog Treats All that is needed is 4 simple ingredients for these Peanut Butter Banana Read more

Previous Post

What Breed Of Dog Is Hachi From A Dog’s Tale Movie?

Next Post

Which Type Of Dog is Scooby Doo? You’ll Be Surprised!