08/14/2025
So your dog got skunked- now what?!
First instincts probably tell you to toss them in the bathtub and wash them!
❌DONT DO THAT!❌
💈✏️📓
The anatomy of a single strand of hair is as follows:
🪮Outermost layer: the hair cuticle. This layer functions as the armor to protect the interior layers from damage and is what gives the hair its shine!
🪮Middle layer: the hair cortex. This layer determines the hair color and texture, and provides strength, elasticity, and flexibility.
🪮Innermost layer: the medulla of the hair strand. The soft, spongy, often hollow part of the hair strand. While its role is not fully understood, THIS is where the stink from a skunk spraying sits.
When a skunk sprays your dog, the stinky oils come into immediate contact with the cuticle of the hair. When dry, the hair strand’s cuticle is closed. The moment you apply water to a skunked dog, the water goes to work opening the hair cuticle.
Once the hair cuticle has opened up, the skunk oils will seep deep down into the hair strand’s cortex, then the medulla. The medulla will absorb the scent, will get trapped inside as the dogs coat dries- locking that scent inside of it for you to enjoy for months to come! Then, every time the hair strand opens up again (when your pup gets wet) the smell will present itself and you will question how much longer you have to deal with this awful situation! 🦨
Your groomer is equipped with the knowledge, products, and time needed to help you through this situation!
So- before you throw your skunked dog in the tub, give your groomer a call and explain the situation. We are often able to help direct you in the right direction for handling it at home, or can offer an emergency appointment to tackle the stink! 😷
Picture of sweet Ellie May for tax on this educational post, because she’s upset she arrived today stinky after she JUST was in for her grooming appointment last week with me😅
