by Laura Hageman

Created on: April 08, 2008

Skunk smell is one of the worst odors I have ever smelled. I know when there is a skunk around dead or alive just by the stench they leave behind when they are provoked. People know enough to stay away from skunks, but dogs get a little too curious sometimes and think they can play with the skunk. Before they know it they are sprayed and are blinded while the skunk escapes into hiding. Your dog returns to you with one horrible smell that you know has to belong to a skunk.

First thing to do is to keep the dog outside of your house. If he goes inside your home will have a skunk smell for weeks. Check your dog's eyes. If they are red then you can use eye drops that humans use since it won't hurt them. This will clear any irritation they have.

Next thing to do is to bathe them as soon as possible. Do not bathe them inside. You can tie them up to the fence in the backyard or leave them loose depending on their obedience. This process will take quite a while though so be prepared. Be sure to have clothes on that you don't mind ruining. No matter how many times you wash the clothes they will probably still smell badly. Be sure to put on rubber gloves before starting the bathing process.

Bathe your pet with doggy shampoo first. Then begin the bathing in tomato juice. Be sure to cover your dog completely in the juice and leave it on him/her for atleast 15 minutes. You can leave it on longer if you wish to. Once the time is up, rinse the tomato juice off and see if your dog still smells. If your pet still reeks with skunk odor then repeat the process with the tomato juice until the smell is gone.

If you don't have tomato juice or enough of it then you can try using another formula. Get about a quart of hydrogen peroxide, one fourth a cup of baking soda, a tablespoon of dish soap, and a cup of water. Mix this up until it lathers. Once the mixture is ready then proceed in bathing your dog and continue until the odor is gone.

The best way to avoid skunks all together is to keep your dog near you on hiking trips or vacations that are near wooded areas. Dogs tend to be curious creatures and will find themselves smelling pretty bad if they are not more careful.

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