Help! My dog got sunked! What do I do?
Well you’ve come to the right place…. Ideally, you want your pup to be able to explore the great outdoors without any restrictions. But every time you take your dog outside, you’re taking a risk they’re going to come back dirtier than before. They could jump in a puddle, roll around in mud, or—worst-case scenario—your pup could get skunked.
Dealing with a skunked pup probably isn’t high on your list of fun ways to spend an afternoon. But if you know what to do, that skunky smell will be a thing of the past before you know it.
Here’s exactly what to do if your dog got skunked:
Keep your pup outside
First things first: if your dog got skunked, your first instinct might be to get them inside and in the bathtub. DON’T DO THIS.
That skunky smell that’s sticking to your dog’s fur? If you bring them inside, that skunky smell will fill the air and stick to your sofa, your carpet, your curtains, and pretty much everything else in your home.
Bring all of your cleaning supplies outside and de-skunk your pup before you bring them back in the house.
Check your pup for injuries
The spray produced by skunk contains chemicals called thiols. These chemicals are what make the spray smell so pungent, but they can also cause irritation if they get in your dog’s eyes.
If your dog got skunked, check their eyes for any redness or irritation. If you notice any irritation, immediately flush out your pup’s eyes with cool, clean water.
You should also check to make sure your pup hasn’t sustained any scratches or bites. It’s unlikely (skunks usually spray from afar), but if you notice any injuries, get your dog to the vet.
De-skunk your pup
Once you’ve dealt with any potential eye irritation, it’s time to kick that skunky smell to the curb.
The supplies you’ll need for the ultimate de-skunking bath experience include:
- 1 quart hydrogen peroxide
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 – 2 teaspoons liquid dishwashing soap
- Rubber gloves
- Old towels
Once you have all the necessary supplies, it’s time to de-skunk:
- Mix the hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid soap in a bucket or large container.
- Once your ingredients are mixed, put on the rubber gloves and immediately work the solution into your pup’s coat. Make sure to avoid your dog’s eyes, ears, and mouth. DO NOT WET YOUR DOG BEFORE APPLYING THE SOLUTION.
- Let the solution sit on your dog’s coat for 5 minutes. (Make sure to remove after 5 minutes; if left too long, the peroxide could bleach your pup’s coat).
- Rinse the solution off your dog.
- If your dog still smells (and they probably will!), rinse and repeat until the skunk smell is gone.
- Use the old towels to thoroughly dry your pup, then get rid of the towels and rubber gloves.
Follow up with some TLC
If your dog got skunked, it’s safe to say you’re not having much fun. But remember—the skunk experience is no fun for your pup, either!
Once you’ve gotten rid of the skunky smell, make sure to give your dog some TLC. Play with their favorite dog toys or throw them an extra treat or two. Or, if you want to do something extra special, treat them to a Super Chewer Box, where they’ll get a carefully curated selection of top quality toys, treats, and chews each month.
And next time you go out for a walk, be on alert for skunks.
