Pee-Yew - Don't Let This Be You!

Hello, DogStoreOnline community!

As much as we love letting our furry friends explore the great outdoors, sometimes they encounter less-than-friendly wildlife. One common but unpleasant encounter is with a skunk. If your dog gets skunked, it can be a smelly and stressful situation for both of you. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your dog gets skunked to help you handle it quickly and effectively.

Step 1: Act Quickly

The sooner you start addressing the skunk spray, the easier it will be to remove the odor. Don’t let your dog inside your home to prevent the smell from spreading.

Step 2: Keep Your Dog Outside

Keep your dog outside to avoid bringing the smell indoors. Skunk spray can be incredibly potent and difficult to remove from fabrics and furniture.

Step 3: Check for Injuries

Skunk encounters can sometimes result in bites or scratches. Check your dog for any signs of injury and consult your veterinarian if you find any wounds.

Step 4: Prepare a De-Skunking Solution

The most effective de-skunking solution includes common household ingredients:

• 1 quart (4 cups) of hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap (Dawn works well)

Mix these ingredients in a plastic container. Do not store this mixture, as it can become volatile over time.

Step 5: Apply the Solution

Wear gloves and old clothes to protect yourself from the skunk smell. Wet your dog’s coat thoroughly with water, then apply the de-skunking solution. Avoid getting the solution in your dog’s eyes, ears, or mouth. Work the solution into your dog’s fur, focusing on the areas where the spray is most concentrated.

Step 6: Let It Sit

Let the solution sit on your dog’s fur for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the ingredients to neutralize the skunk odor effectively.

Step 7: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Ensure all the solution is washed out of their fur to prevent skin irritation.

Step 8: Repeat if Necessary

If the smell persists, you may need to repeat the application. Skunk spray can be very potent, and a second wash might be necessary to completely remove the odor.

Step 9: Follow Up with Regular Shampoo

After the de-skunking solution, bathe your dog with their regular pet shampoo to clean and condition their coat. This will help remove any remaining solution and leave your dog smelling fresh.

Step 10: Dry Your Dog

Dry your dog thoroughly with a clean towel. Make sure they are warm and comfortable after their bath.

Additional Tips

1. Ventilate Your Home

   • If any skunk odor has entered your home, open windows and use fans to ventilate the area. Washing surfaces with vinegar or baking soda can also help neutralize the smell.

2. Check Your Dog’s Eyes

   • Skunk spray can be irritating to your dog’s eyes. If their eyes are red or irritated, rinse them with cool water or a pet-safe eye wash. Consult your veterinarian if the irritation persists.

3. Prevent Future Encounters

   • Keep your yard well-lit and secure to deter skunks from entering. Supervise your dog during evening and early morning walks, when skunks are most active.

By being prepared and following these steps, you can effectively manage a skunk encounter and ensure your dog is back to their happy, fresh-smelling self in no time.

Stay safe and odor-free,

The DogStoreOnline Team

Share your de-skunking tips and stories with us on social media using the hashtag #DogStoreOnlineSkunked for a chance to be featured on our page!