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CAUTION: skunks are out and they are spraying their eye-watering scent all over Rochester, including on dogs. You’ve probably caught a whiff of that awesome stench but do you know what to do if your dog accidentally gets sprayed? If tomato juice is your answer, keep reading because there are some other options that are more successful for our furry friends.

I live outside of Rochester and every morning when I open the door to let my dogs out, I am slammed with the horrible stench of a skunk. I know they are on my property somewhere and it is just a matter of time until one of my dogs gets sprayed. It will be an absolutely horrible moment but one that I know is coming so I’ve been doing some research to see what supplies I need to keep handy.

According to the American Kennel Club, tomato juice has been a tried and true method for years but it doesn’t always work. Instead, try this homemade mixture:

  • 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (be sure it is not stronger than 3%!)
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap

Throw on some rubber gloves and if possible, follow these tips in an outdoor location to help remove the skunk smell:

  • Check their eyes: sometimes a skunk spray can irritate your dogs’ eyes. Check to see if they are red and if so, flush them immediately with cool water. Your vet may also offer other alternative products.
  • Remove the oil asap: Take the homemade mixture above and gently work the solution in the fur. The peroxide can bleach the fur so leave on for a short amount of time and then rinse completely. Repeat as much as necessary but be sure to keep this away from the eyes. Once you are done using the mixture, throw it away in an open container. (it could explode in a closed container)
  • Bath time: Shampoo your dog with their normal shampoo.
  • Wash your clothes: There is a good chance that the skunk smell is now on your clothes. Throw those in your washing machine, add your regular detergent but also throw in ½ cup of baking soda.

Check out the American Kennel Club website for more tips and some over-the-counter recommendations.

What has your pet destroyed or ate?  Let me know! You can find my contact info here.

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