Ask a Vet: Homemade Recipe for Skunk Odor Removal
May 14th, 2008 by Dr. Donna Spector“Tis the season for your dog to get into trouble with the local wildlife! 
If Rover noses around in the bushes, be prepared that he may turn up smelling like a skunk. Many grooming products will temporarily cover the smell but the faint odor of skunk can linger for weeks. This homemade recipe actually lifts the skunk spray oils out of your dog’s fur and rids them of the smell permanently…or at least until the next time!
Mix the following ingredients in a plastic bucket:
1 quart of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (open a fresh bottle)
¼ cup of Baking Soda1-2 teaspoons of Liquid Soap (Softsoap and Ivory are recommended)
Note: for large dogs, the recipe can be doubled or you can add one quart of lukewarm water to ensure complete body coverage.
Directions:
- Apply the solution to the entire coat and work it deeply into the fur.
- Leave on for at least 5 minutes or until the odor is gone.
- Rinse your pet thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Smell your pet! If he still reeks of skunk, repeat steps 1-3!
- Pour any remaining solution down the drain with running water.
NEVER store the solution in a closed bottle as pressure can build up and cause the container to explode.
Note: The solution will sting if it gets into your dog’s eyes. If your dog’s face is heavily soiled, use a toothbrush soaked in solution to clean the hair around the eyes.
Do you need vet advice? Post a comment with your veterinary questions and we will send them to Dr. Donna Spector to be answered in a future column.
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June 7th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
i am curious if there is any homemade recipies to eliminate female dog urine smell and male cat urine smell??????i have both and have tried just about everything i am at my wits end with this problem….any advice to help with this?????
October 21st, 2008 at 10:12 pm
the de’skunkie mixture seemed to have worked many. many thanks. Found on the spare of the minute
December 12th, 2008 at 7:47 am
A skunk or skunks has burrowed under the concrete slab foundation of my house and is coming an going in the wee hours of the night. In the mean time we get a strong smell inside the house from time to time. My question is “Do you have any suggestions as to how I can get rid of the skunk? If I plug his access and he is under there will he dig out someplace else or die there and make living in the house impossible for a period of time?” I have a live trap but how woulld I dispose of the skunk if I am able to trap it?
Please reply to my email address.
Jim Gazzaway
May 19th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I’m not sure about this homemade recipe but I do know about a dog shampoo that is made from all natural essential oils that worked wonders for my granddaughter only after one shampoo the smell was gone you can also use it in the laundry to get rid of the skunk smell on your clothes here is the link if you want to check it out
http://www.dinovite.com/index.php/shampoos
September 20th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
How do yu eliminate unneutered female oder (home reimedy) to keep big dogs away and how long do the female yorkie stay in heat so we can get her neutered?
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Dear Rita,
Unfortunately there is not an easy “fix” to the smell of hormones that your dog is currently producing. During heat, a female dog produces large amounts of hormones that male dogs are obsessed by! Even if she is a well trained dog, she cannot be trusted off leash or out of your control. Never let her outside by herself–even in a fenced yard–male dogs have been known to scale fences to get to a receptive female. This will help avoid unwanted breeding and pregnancy.
On average heat lasts about 3 weeks, although it does range from 2-4 weeks. Talk to your vet about the optimal time to spay her.
Good Luck.
Dr. Donna Spector
October 8th, 2009 at 11:24 am
This skunk smell remover works great !!!!