Let me preface this by saying I hope I never ever have to use any of the tips here. Any skunks out there who may be reading this Pets Blog, please stay far away from me and my dogs.
First things first: if your pet has been sprayed by a skunk, check her eyes, nose, and mouth. Most skunks will aim and fire at the face! The chemicals in skunk spray can be irritating to the mucous membranes. The lining of your pet’s mouth, throat, and lungs can become inflamed. So if your pet was sprayed in the face, be sure to rinse her eyes, nose, and mouth very carefully with fresh, cool water. Watch her eyes and mouth for redness. If she is rubbing at her face a lot, you may need to visit the vet for something to soothe the irritation.
The next thing to fix is the smell. First, give your pet a bath with dog or cat shampoo. Then it’s soaking time! Tomato juice is a traditional remedy for skunk smell, and it will help reduce the odor. You can also try a mixture made from a teaspoon of dish washing liquid and a cup of baking soda dissolved in one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide or water. After a good soaking, be sure to rinse your pet thoroughly. Long haired dogs or cats may need a bit of a trim to get rid of some of the lingering skunk odor — especially in places where the fur is matted or tangled.
You may want to skip the home remedies and head right for a professional groomer or at least a professional product. Commercial skunk odor removers usually can neutralize the stinky chemicals in skunk spray. Find them at your veterinarian’s office or your local pet store. Follow the instructions on the label for a stink-free pet!