Skunked?

Aug
20
2013
Has your pet been skunked? Nothing worse than that strong, burning odour that lingers for weeks on end.

Has your pet been skunked?  Nothing worse than that strong, burning odour that lingers for weeks on end.  And just when you think it’s faded,  the slightest rainfall will emerge that smell again.  What can you do if your pet has been skunked?  Well unfortunately most of us have had to deal with this.  Below is a make at home remedy that can help.


Skunk spray is very oily and odourous, becoming more difficult to remove the longer you wait.  So timing is everything!  As soon as your pet has been sprayed you need to act quickly.  Examine around their eyes first for any sign of irritation and injury, just in case the skunk did more than spray.   


How to De-Skunk:

  1. Leave your pet outside or in an enclose area to prevent the odour from spreading throughout your house while you change into old clothes and grab of pair of rubber gloves.
  2. Bathe your pet with a solution of Dawn dish soap to break up the skunk oils.  Be gentle and careful around your pets face and eyes.
  3. Use a vinegar and water solution or tomato juice to rub on the sprayed, stinky areas of your pets body.  Let sit for 10 – 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
  4. Lastly, wash your pet with a pet shampoo to restore the natural oils of your pets coat and help moisturize the skin.

Should any of your own clothes get “skunked”, you can clean them with regular laundry detergent mixed with 1/2 cup of baking soda.


Prevent any future skunk encounters by keeping watch on your pets while they are outside.  Remove any items from your yard that might be attractive and easily accessible to skunks such as pet food and trash.

As always, feel free to contact the pet health care team at Upper Canada Animal Hospital.  We are here to help!

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