Outdoors

What can be used to get rid of the smell on a pet after it has been sprayed by a skunk?

Skunk Photo by yhelfman/Shutterstock

Other than tomato juice, what can be used to get rid of the smell on a pet after it has been sprayed by a skunk?

First, you’re better off saving your tomato juice for afternoon cocktails – it’s a myth that it makes an effective remedy. What does work? This remedy works well on most dogs:

  • 4 cups 3% hydrogen peroxide (1 L)
  • 1/4 cup baking soda (60 ml)
  • 1 tsp liquid hand soap (5 ml)

Yes, that says 4 cups of hydrogen peroxide. Mix the formula in an open container and use immediately. (Do not store it; the elixir becomes volatile in a closed container.) Shampoo your pet, keeping the mixture well away from its eyes, until you can’t smell skunk. If the pet is not immediately deodorized, let the shampoo sit for five to 10 minutes. Rinse. If some smell still lingers, wait a day before repeating.

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