How to Remove Skunk Smell from a Dog

Ah, the smell of the great outdoors: freshly mowed grass, flowers in bloom, and skunk smell on a dog. I didn't say they were all pleasant smells. In fact, removing skunk smells from a dog is like fighting an invisible war. Here is a recipe and instructions for fast removal of skunk odor on dogs.

In a small bucket, mix:
1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup of baking soda
1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap (not for dishwashers)

For larger or multiple dogs mix:
1 gallon of 3% hydrogen peroxide
1 cup of baking soda
1 tablespoon liquid dish soap

*WARNING: Do not store this mixture. Pour out any excess immediately.

Apply skunk smell removal mixture to the dog
1. Mix solution in a bucket and bring to bathing area. Gather old towels that can be thrown out afterward for drying the dog afterward.

2. Place the dog in the bathtub

3. Wearing rubber gloves, pour the mixture onto the dog with one hand. Rub the mixture down to the skin with the other hand. Soak the dog down to the skin. Keep the solution out of the eyes, nose and mouth of the pet. Blot the solution on the dog's face lightly with a sponge.

4. Rinse solution completely from the dog's coat with warm water.

5. Repeat the process if the smell is not completely gone.

Use care not to leave the mixture on the dog for more than a minute or two while you are applying it. The peroxide may lighten dark fur if left on longer than a minute or two. Rinse the dog's coat until the water runs clear and the smell is gone. Immediately pour out any left over solution. Never store this mixture.

Dry the dog completely with a blow dryer or the towels you intend to throw away. If any odor remains during the drying process, stop and repeat the above process. You may have missed a spot or not soaked the dog well enough to remove the skunk odor.

Throw away any pet bedding or towels that have skunk odor on them. The bad smell will likely never be removed without ruining the material.

It's never fun when the family dog gets sprayed by a skunk. The faster you get the skunk odor off the dog, the faster he will be welcomed in the house with the family.