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If you live in a rural area, the threat of your dog getting sprayed by a skunk is always looming. If you’ve never had the distinct “pleasure” of your dog getting sprayed, it’s like having a wet dog come into your house…times 10.  Here are the steps to ridding your dog of that awful skunk smell:

Get to it fast
Just like when you spill something on your shirt, the faster you get to it the better. The longer the chemicals that the skunk dispersed are allowed to sit, the harder it will be to remove them. Also, make sure to check for any other defenses that the skunk may have used such as scratching or bites. Skunks can be carriers of rabies so you should consult your vet immediately if you spot any bleeding. If it’s just that awful stench, read on:

Soak
Get some lukewarm water going and rub that in your dog’s coat first. At this point, I’m sure you’re expecting some formula that involves tomatoes – wrong. The tomato solution is okay for masking the odor but it won’t get rid of it.

The solution
Take a quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing soap. After mixing those ingredients, rub them into your dog’s wet coat with rubber gloves and a washcloth where you think the skunk sprayed him. Do not rub the solution in the vicinity of his eyes, ears or mouth. Let the solution sit for five to 10 minutes and rinse it out. Repeat the process until you feel like the smell is lifting and finish off your washing with regular dog shampoo.

Near the eyes
If your dog took a direct hit to the face, this solution will not work for him. You will be able to tell because your dog’s eyes will likely be red and he’s acting extremely agitated about his facial area. If you spot these signs, call your veterinarian to visit or ask for a solution to your problem.