You know the smell. That horrible, fetid, rotten egg smell that distinctly tells you “skunk”. If your dog has ever been sprayed by a skunk or “skunked”, then you know how the smell can permeate everything and is difficult to get out. A skunk shampoo for dogs can help diminish the smell of skunk on your dog.
This post will look at what happens when your pup is skunked, effects of being sprayed, and how to get rid of the skunk smell on your dog using a home remedy and skunk shampoo for dogs.
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What Is A Skunk?
A skunk is a black and white mammal found in the western hemisphere. It is a nocturnal animal so it is most active between dusk and dawn. Skunks have a keen sense of smell and hearing, but they do not see very well.
What Is Skunk Spray?
Skunk spray is an oil released by its anal glands. Even though skunks can’t see well, their aim is very spot on. A skunk can spray its target up to 20 feet away!
Skunk spray is composed of sulfur compounds called thiols and thioacetates that cling to the surfaces it comes in contact with, namely your dog.
Why Does A Skunk Spray?
A skunk will spray when it feels threatened. A skunk will try to warn the object threatening them first by stomping their feet, making hissing sounds, and maybe showing some teeth. If none of this works, then they will spray.
What Effects Does Skunk Spray Have On My Dog?
When your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, there are a few things to look out for.
- Most dogs will be sprayed in the face. If this is the case with your dog, check their eyes first. They may become red and irritated from the spray and may even experience temporary blindness. Rinse your dog’s eyes with lukewarm or cool water to help alleviate these symptoms.
- If your dog is sprayed in the mouth, they may experience drooling or vomiting.
- Dogs sprayed in the nose may have increased sneezing.
- Rarely, some dogs may experience anemia from being exposed to skunk spray. For this reason, if you notice a change in the color of your dog’s urine, pale or brown gums, if they seem unusually tired or exhibit weakness, take them to your veterinarian right away.
How Long Does Skunk Smell Stay On Dog’s Fur?
If left untreated, it is possible for the smell of skunk to remain on your dog for months or even a year.
Why Does My Dog Still Smell Like Skunk After A Bath?
If you try to wash your dog with soap and water or with a traditional shampoo, you may notice that the skunk smell on your dog gets stronger. This is due to the thioacetates in the skunk spray. When thioacetates come in contact with water, they turn into thiols, which is the primary source of the rotten egg smell of the spray.
What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of A Skunk Smell On A Dog?
The best way to get rid of the skunk smell on a dog is to use this homemade remedy. It was developed by a chemist named Paul Krebaum and has been shown to be the most effective treatment to rid a dog of the smell of skunk.
The recipe is as follows:
- 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide. (Neutralizes the smell)
- ¼ cup of baking soda. (Helps neutralize smell)
- 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. (Cuts through the oil to help it wash off more easily)
Mix in a bucket and use it immediately. Do not allow the mixture to stay in the bucket for long periods of time and do not make it in advance. The materials together can cause the storage container you put it in to explode.
Make sure to use gloves when bathing your dog with this solution.
The solution also acts as a bleaching agent and may lighten your dog’s fur when you use it.
What Is The Best Skunk Shampoo For Dogs To Get Rid Of Skunk Smell?
When you don’t have the ingredients for the home remedy on hand or don’t have time to mix ingredients together, a dog shampoo specifically designed to get rid of the skunk smell may help, keeping in mind it may not be as effective as the home remedy.
A skunk shampoo can also be used to wash your dog after the home remedy.
How Many Times Should I Wash My Dog With A Skunk Shampoo After Being Sprayed By A Skunk?
If your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, you may need to wash your dog several times before your dog smells decent enough to be around again.
This goes for whether you use the home remedy or a skunk specific shampoo on your dog.
How Do I Prevent My Dog From Being Sprayed By A Skunk?
Unfortunately, if your dog is like ours, and an animal comes close to the property, they will go after it.
You can’t stop a dog from being curious or defending its property.
You can, however, make your home less desirable for skunks to want to be around.
- Solar lights or lights controlled by a motion sensor can deter skunks since they are nocturnal.
- Sprinklers that are controlled by a motion detector may keep them from wandering into your yard.
- Skunks like to nest under decks or in brush or woodpiles. You can block skunks from accessing these areas or get rid of them on your property.
Anything Else To Know About Skunks?
In the United States, skunks can have rabies. If your dog has been bitten by a skunk, get them to the veterinarian right away.
Best Skunk Shampoo For Dogs
Here are 9 skunk shampoos for dogs available to treat your dog if they have been sprayed. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Kelco 50:1 Filthy Animal Shampoo
This shampoo is pH balanced, soap free, and is non-drying.
- Concentrated shampoo.
- Safe to use with flea and tick products.
- Free from harsh chemicals, pesticides, and preservatives.
- pH balanced.
- Biodegradable.
- Soap and detergent free.
- Made with natural oils, herbs, and extracts.
- Cleans without drying.
Nature’s Choice Dirty Dog Shampoo
This shampoo is non-toxic, biodegradable, and has no harsh chemicals.
- Concentrated shampoo.
- Non-toxic.
- Biodegradable.
- No animal by-products.
- No harsh chemicals.
- Soap and detergent free.
- Cruelty free.
- Safe to use with flea control drops.
- pH balanced.
- Made in the USA.
Skout’s Honor Skunk Odor Eliminator For Dogs
This shampoo is eco friendly and can be used to treat items in your home as well.
- Breaks down and eliminates skunk odor.
- Eco friendly.
- Cruelty free.
- No harsh chemicals.
- Can also be used on carpets and other surfaces.
- Made in the USA.
Kin & Kind Dog Shampoo
This shampoo uses plant based ingredients and activated charcoal to get rid of that skunk smell.
- Contains activated charcoal.
- Plant based ingredients.
- Sulfate free.
- Paraben free.
- Cruelty free.
- GMO free.
- Made in the USA.
Quadruped Skunk & Odor Deodorizer
This shampoo needs to be used within 48 hours of your dog being sprayed to be effective.
- Effective if the product is used within 48 hours of your dog being sprayed.
- Floral scent.
Bodhi Dog Skunk Shampoo
This shampoo is cruelty free and deodorizes.
- Cleanses and deodorizes.
- Uses mild detergents.
- Cruelty free.
- Paraben free.
- Made in the USA.
PetPost Skunk Odor Eliminator
This shampoo does not contain any harsh chemicals and uses safflower oil and aloe to contain the skunk smell.
- Contains “odorlock” technology.
- No harsh chemicals.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
- Uses safflower oil and aloe.
Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Control
This shampoo uses a “bio-enzymatic” formula and can also clean items inside your home.
- Can also be used on carpets and other surfaces.
- Bio-enzymatic odor locking formula.
Skunk Off Pet Shampoo
This shampoo uses a non-enzymatic formula and can also be used to clean items inside the home.
- Can be used on surfaces throughout the home as well.
- Uses a non-enzymatic formula.
No one wants their dog to get “skunked”, but for some dogs, this is inevitable. A skunk shampoo for dogs is a good option to keep around the house in case your dog is sprayed and you do not have the ingredients on hand to make a home remedy solution. You may have to try several options before finding one that is best for your dog.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.