If you are not able to make a trip to the drugstore immediately, trying a different method first may be worth it, since the odor will be easiest to remove if you try as soon as possible. Light, indirect skunk sprays may also be removable with cheaper home remedies.
You can also use an eye drop specific for dogs. [2] X Expert Source Natalie Punt, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 19 August 2021.
Do not use a skunk odor removal product that does not specifically state it is safe for use on pets.
Avoid spraying the dog’s eyes or nose. If the smell is strong in the face, wet a cloth with the cleaning product and gently wipe the cheeks, forehead, and chin. If the dog has long fur and received a direct hit from the skunk spray, the odor may be trapped deeper in the coat. Use a cloth soaked in the cleaning solution to rub the dog’s fur right down to the skin.
Some people find this method quite effective, especially when applied multiple times. However, for a direct skunk spray or a thick-coated dog, you may need a commercial cleaning product to remove the last vestiges of the smell.
You can often remove skunk odor from clothing in the laundry, by mixing ½ cup (120 mL) of baking soda mixed with ordinary laundry detergent. Using clothes you don’t mind throwing away if necessary is still recommended, just in case. Do not mix “skunked” clothing with an ordinary load of laundry.
Double this recipe for a large dog. If you only have more concentrated hydrogen peroxide, dilute it with additional water before adding to the other ingredients. For example, mix one part 9% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water to get 3% hydrogen peroxide. Stir thoroughly, then use 4 cups (960 mL) of this mixture in the above recipe.
Optionally, you can protect the dog’s ears by gently putting a cotton ball in each ear. Do not push them in far or jam them in hard. Some dogs (and people) dislike the feeling of liquid in their ears, so this may cause the dog to struggle less.
Vinegar will fizz immediately when mixed with baking soda, and quickly break apart. You may wish to rub the baking soda into the dog’s fur, then pour on the vinegar.
Tomato juice is not significantly more effective than scented shampoo, makes a mess, and can even stain your dog’s fur slightly. Despite its popularity as a home remedy, it is not a good solution to skunk odor.
