Tips For Dealing With Skunk Spray On Your Dog's Fur

Home & Garden Blog

Few smells are as distinctive as that of skunk spray. If your dog has run afoul of a skunk that's taken up residence on your property, it's in your best interest to deal with the odor right away. The longer you leave your dog untreated, the deeper the oil penetrates into the fur, which can make the odor last for days. While you're waiting for your pest control service to come out and trap the offending critter, here are some tips to deal with the odor it left behind on your dog.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can cut through the oil in the skunk spray, easing some of the overwhelming odor. Combine a few cups of peroxide with about a cup of baking soda, then add a few squirts of gentle dish detergent. Use the mixture like shampoo on your dog's fur. You may need to repeat the process a few times to get the best results. Just make sure you let the mixture sit on your pup's fur for five to ten minutes each time. That gives the baking soda and peroxide time to penetrate the oil.

Rock Salt and Baking Soda

Mix a scoop of baking soda (about a half to two-thirds of a cup on average) with a couple tablespoons of rock salt and a few squirts of liquid dish soap. Then, add a little bit of hot water until the solution is shampoo-like. Apply the solution to your dog's fur, but don't wet the fur first. Leave it in place for about fifteen to twenty minutes for the best results.

White Vinegar

Combine white vinegar with two parts water for each part vinegar. That means you'll need two cups of water for each cup of vinegar. Make enough to rinse your dog a few times with it. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the oil of the spray, then rinse your dog, working the solution into the fur. Rinse your dog's fur with warm water, then repeat it if needed.

With these options, you'll be able to eliminate the smell of the spray while your pest control company sets traps to catch the skunks. Whenever possible, make a note of where you believe your dog encountered the pest so that you can show the pest control company where to start looking. The more attentive you are to how it happened, the easier it will be to catch and eliminate the skunks while you're getting rid of the smell.

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9 November 2015