08/18/2025
What works to neutralize skunk odor?
So, Drew had a run-in with a skunk this weekend. Luckily, it wasn't a direct shot, but he's still stinky and it is on his face. (And thankfully, I didn't get hit since he was on leash when it happened!)
I was concerned about using products on his face and near his eyes, and so I'm glad I contacted my groomers before doing anything.
Here are groomer's tips for dealing with skunk smell:
- Don't try and rinse off the skunk spray with water! This will set the oils into the hair follicle.
- One of the best home remedies for skunk smell is a mix of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Apply to your DRY dog and then rinse. Repeat if necessary. There are recipes for this online and it works great to neutralize the oils. Wear gloves. 🙂
- However, if your dog has the scent on the face and/or near the eyes, be very, very careful with any product (including the remedy with baking soda). If baking soda gets in the eyes, it can scratch the cornea.
- For face and near eyes: Use a rag with white vinegar, a drop of dish soap, and water. Then rinse. Of course, you still need to be careful not to get this in the eyes, but it won't scratch the corneas if your dog is less than cooperative in the process.
- Commercial products such as Skouts Honor Skunk Odor Eliminator - we carry this in stock at Dee-O-Gee Helena
For my experience with Drew: I used a rag with white vinegar and rinsed for a quick treatment since I also had to get to work on Saturday morning. 🙂 Then I finally had time to use Skouts Honor Skunk Odor Eliminator on him for a good treatment and bath Sunday evening. I still faintly smell skunk, but he's allowed back in the house again.
