Your dog just had an unfortunate run-in with Pepé Le Pew, and now he’s covered in skunk spray. While skunks make adorably hilarious cartoon characters, they can be a real-life nuisance to people and other animals. However, skunks are just as afraid of us as we are of them.
What is this tiny animal’s powerful defense mechanism? So what makes this tiny animal so smelly? The secret lies in the skunk’s anal glands.
There are two squirters that spray a disgusting liquid made of thiol, which is a compound containing sulfur. Sulfur is notorious for its stomach-churning egg smell. Skunks also have an incredible aim. They can squirt predators from 10 to 20 feet away, and the smell can reach about half a mile.
The reason why the smell lingers so long is due to thioacetates that slowly release the thiol compound. This is why the smell seems to last for ages, and it can be very hard to remove the smell from dog fur.
How Can I Deskunk My Dog At Home?
It might be hard, but it’s not impossible to get rid of the smell. And it’s best to get rid of it as soon as possible. Not only is the smell unpleasant, but it can cause eye discomfort, temporary blindness, and nausea and vomiting if it has been swallowed.
It’s best to rely on a good groomer to completely refresh your dog’s skin and coat, but you can always begin the process at home. Here are a few things you should and shouldn’t do at home to get rid of the smell.
DO Use Peroxide And Baking Soda
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is the best combination of products to remove skunk spray at home. The mixture neutralizes the smell and prevents your dog from spreading the smell around your home, making it more difficult to get rid of.
The first thing to remember is that it is never a good idea to bring your dog into your home after an encounter with these stinky critters. If you can, you should definitely wash your pooch outside. The mixture goes like this: one part hydrogen peroxide, ¼ a cup of baking soda, and about a tablespoon of dish detergent. Dish detergent will get rid of the oil while the baking soda and peroxide change the chemical makeup of the thiols.
Don’t leave the mixture on your dog too long, because you run the risk of bleaching your dog’s fur. Also, you should never put a solution like this near your dog’s eyes, lest further irritation occurs. The best course of action is to use a commercial wash and deodorizer. You may not be able to get your hands on some, but your groomer will know what to do.
DON’T Use Tomato Juice
Contrary to popular belief, tomato juice is NOT the answer. Much like spraying Febreeze on garbage, it’s pointless and will very unsuccessfully try to mask the smell. It doesn’t get rid of it. The same goes for tomato juice. It doesn’t get rid of the smell from the spray; it just masks it. The best way to get rid of the smell is to try the method above, but it’s even better to try the method below.
DO Seek Help From An Experienced Groomer
The best way to ensure your pooch gets the proper deskunking treatment that they deserve is to bring them to an experienced groomer. Good groomers usually have experience working with dogs of all kinds with different fur types.
They also have access to tools many pet parents don’t have at home. This makes groomers perfectly equipped for deskunking your dog. Remember, there are certain techniques and products that a groomer can use, and you can’t.
Keep Calm, Carry On, And Let Lucky Dawg Salon Deskunk Your Dog
As stressful and messy as this situation can be, it’s not something that you have to deal with alone. You can start by using the peroxide solution, but it’s always a good idea to take your dog to the groomers so that they can be properly treated, You don’t have to worry about the mess that might ensue if you try to handle the situation by yourself.
If your dog has had an unfortunate run-in with a skunk, or they’re just downright stinky, Lucky Dawg Salon has you covered! For mobile grooming call 310-784-0566, and for salon grooming call 310-784-0755. You can also contact us on our site for any questions or to schedule a grooming appointment. Be sure to follow Lucky Dawg Pet Services on Facebook to keep up with all Lucky Dawg news!
