What Should You Do if Your Dog Gets Sprayed by a Skunk? Quick Guide to Remove Skunk Spray

Few things are as pungent—and panic-inducing—as when your dog gets sprayed by a skunk. The unmistakable stench of skunk spray can cling to fur, clothes, and even your entire house if not treated quickly and correctly. Whether your dog just got sprayed or you’re preparing for a potential skunk encounter in your area, this guide will walk you through what to do, what not to do, and how to get rid of that smelly odor effectively.

What Happens When Your Dog Gets Skunked?

Skunks release a noxious spray as a defense mechanism. This skunk spray comes from their anal glands and contains sulfur-based compounds called thiols—the very same reason skunk smell is so strong and difficult to remove. When a dog gets too close, especially in an area where skunks are common, a direct hit to the face or chest is common.

• If your dog gets sprayed in the face, act quickly but calmly.
• Skunk’s spray is not toxic but can irritate the eyes or mouth.
• Skunks are also carriers of rabies, so always monitor for bites or scratches and contact your veterinarian.

First Response: What To Do Right After the Spray

Step 1: Get Your Dog Away from the Skunk

If your dog was sprayed or you suspect your pet was involved in a skunk encounter, bring them inside immediately. Avoid spreading the skunk smell into your home. Keep them isolated outside or in a garage if possible.

Wear rubber gloves, old clothes, and prepare to de-skunk your pet before allowing them near furniture or carpets.

Step 2: Inspect for Injuries or Illness

Before treating the skunk odor, check your dog’s:

• Eyes – Are they red, squinting, or watering?
• Mouth or nose – Do they show signs of inflammation or excessive drool?
• Behavior – Are they vomiting, sneezing, or unusually still?

If you notice any of the above, contact a veterinarian or veterinary clinic right away. Skunks are known carriers of rabies, and a dog gets sprayed during close contact. If you live in an area where skunks are common, you’ll want to keep your rabies vaccinations up to date.

Wear Protective Gear

Before you start the cleanup, put on rubber gloves and old clothes. Skunk oil can transfer easily, and you don’t want your hands or clothes smelling like skunk for days.

• Consider wearing rubber gloves and working in a well-ventilated area.
• Use a closed container to store towels or cloths used during the process to contain odor.

Step 3: Don’t Use Tomato Juice—Use This Homemade Remedy to Get the Skunk Smell Out

There’s an old myth that tomato juice can neutralize skunk spray. In truth, it only masks the odor temporarily. The best remedy to get rid of skunk odor is this scientifically-backed formula, recommended by Cornell University and qualified professionals:

DIY Skunk Smell Remover:

• 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1 cup of baking soda
• 1–2 teaspoons of liquid dish detergent

This solution is a safe to use and proven homemade remedy that breaks down thiols and eliminates the smell instead of just covering it.

⚠️ Caution: This peroxide may bleach your dog’s fur and any fabrics it touches. Do not store the solution—it loses effectiveness and may become unstable.

Step 4: Bathe Your Dog Using the Skunk Odor Remover

Time to bathe your dog. Do this immediately after preparing the solution.

How to Apply:

1. Wet your dog’s coat only if needed. (Dry application is often more effective at first.)
2. Work the solution into your dog’s fur, especially the areas where the spray got them.
3. Be careful around the eyes or mouth—do not apply the solution directly here. Use a damp cloth to wipe those areas instead.
4. Leave the solution on for 5–10 minutes but don’t let it dry.
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

You may need to repeat the process once or twice depending on the strength of the skunk’s spray.

Step 5: Wash Your Clothes in Regular Laundry Detergent

If any of the skunk’s oily chemicals transferred to you or your clothing, don’t delay. Immediately wash your clothes in regular laundry detergent and run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all residues are gone.

Step 6: Bathe Again Using Regular Shampoo

After the skunk odor remover, you can give your dog a second rinse with regular shampoo—especially if you’re concerned that the peroxide may bleach their coat or dry their skin.

Use a pet-safe, moisturizing shampoo and gently lather their fur. This helps remove any remaining residue and soothes the skin. Rinse again thoroughly.

Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach—they can cause irritation or worsen the odor by reacting with the skunk oil.

What If a Cat Gets Sprayed by a Skunk?

While dogs are more likely to chase a skunk, a cat that has been sprayed is just as smelly—and trickier to handle. Bathing your cat can be challenging, so approach calmly.

How to Bathe the Cat

• Wear long sleeves and rubber gloves.
• Use the same hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap remedy, but dilute it with water for sensitive feline skin.
• Gently sponge the solution onto the fur, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
• Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.
• Monitor your cat if necessary for any irritation, and contact your vet if symptoms appear.

If the skunk spray gets in your cat’s eyes or nose, flush with water and seek veterinary attention if there's any swelling or abnormal behavior.

Tip: Always dilute the peroxide solution for cats, as their skin is more sensitive.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Sometimes, being sprayed in the face can cause more than just odor problems. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, seek veterinary help immediately:

• Cloudy or red eyes
• Foaming at the mouth
• Persistent vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe lethargy
• Pale gums (possible sign of damage to red blood cells or anemia)

A veterinarian can evaluate your dog for potential reactions and check for signs of rabies exposure if bitten or scratched.

Trustworthy Resource: For rabies facts and wildlife exposure guidance, visit the CDC’s rabies overview.

What To Do When That Skunk Smell Won’t Go Away

Nothing quite prepares you for how smelly it is when your dog gets skunked. A direct hit of skunk spray can be smelled from over 15 feet away, and the odor tends to linger for days—or even weeks—if not treated correctly.

Many dogs are curious by nature. If a dog gets too close to a skunk’s warning zone, they’ll likely get sprayed. Skunks can aim with surprising accuracy and will lift their tails as a warning. Once that fails, the dog gets skunked—usually right in the face.

Why That Skunk Smell Sticks Around

The skunk smell is caused by volatile sulfur compounds called thiols. These oily, organic molecules bond tightly to fur, skin, and porous surfaces. That’s why a dog’s coat can hold the smell long after a simple bath.

If you get sprayed by skunks, the goal is not just to wash the surface, but to break down the chemical structure of the odor itself. That’s why remedies like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and detergent are so effective.

How to Get Rid of the Smell When Your Dog Gets Skunked

If your dog gets a direct hit, here’s how to get rid of the smell and stop your house from becoming a stink zone:

• Act quickly. The sooner you treat it, the better.
• Keep your pet outside until you’re ready to clean.
• Prepare a de-skunking solution (as described above).
• Carefully wash your dog with the solution, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
• Let the solution sit for 5–10 minutes, but don’t let it dry.
• Rinse and repeat as needed.
• Follow up with a soothing pet shampoo to nourish the coat.

If the odor persists after several treatments, commercial skunk odor remover products may help. Look for ones that contain enzymes to break down the thiols at a molecular level.

mportant Safety Tips

• Always wear rubber gloves when applying any remedy.
• Don’t leave the solution on your pet too long—since peroxide can bleach and irritate skin.
• After washing, rinse thoroughly and repeat the process if needed.
• Never spray this liquid near the eyes, nose, or open wounds.
• If your pet gets wet later, some skunk smell gets reactivated—another good reason to use a dog shampoo as a final step.

Final Thoughts: How to Remove Skunk Spray Safely and Effectively

When your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, it’s easy to panic—but with the right remedy, a bit of elbow grease, and fast action, you can remove skunk spray and help your dog recover without lingering odor.

• The hydrogen peroxide + cup of baking soda + dish soap mix remains the top solution to get the skunk smell out of fur.
• Be mindful of your pet’s eyes and mouth, and always contact your veterinarian if there’s any concern.
• Regular bathing your cat or dog after outdoor adventures and keeping them supervised at night can reduce future risk.

No pet parent wants to experience getting skunk, but having a plan—and the right supplies—makes all the difference.

Helpful Link: ASPCA guide on skunk encounters – detailed, vet-approved advice for dog and cat skunk sprays.