How to Get Skunk Smell Off a Dog: Safe Step-by-Step Guide

Last updated: October 2026. Disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Quick answer: Keep your dog outside, rinse the eyes gently with cool water if the face was hit, then wash the coat with a freshly mixed solution of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 to 2 teaspoons of dish soap. Let it sit about 5 minutes, rinse well with warm water, and follow with dog shampoo. Never store the mixture, and keep it out of eyes, ears and mouth.

Why skunk smell is so hard to remove

Skunk spray is an oily liquid, and the oil is what makes the odor cling. The longer it sits on the coat and skin, the deeper it works into the hair, so speed matters more than any single product. Washing with plain shampoo and water often only spreads the oil around, which is why the smell can seem to come back every time the dog gets damp.

Skunks can spray a target from roughly 7 to 15 feet away, and dogs are most often hit around dawn and dusk when skunks are active. Most dogs end up with spray on the face, chest and front legs, because they run toward the skunk. That detail drives the plan below: the face needs a gentler approach than the body.

Quick facts at a glance

• Act as soon as you can. Fresh oil is far easier to deal with than oil that has dried into the coat.
• Tomato juice is a myth. It may mask the smell for a short time, but it does not remove the oily compounds.
• The peroxide mixture can lighten dark fur toward a bronze tone, so do not leave it on longer than needed.
• You may need two or three rounds for a heavy hit, and a faint smell can return when the coat gets wet.

First 10 minutes: what to do right away

1. Keep the dog outdoors. Do not let a sprayed dog run through the house. The oil transfers to carpet, furniture and bedding.
2. Check the face and eyes. If the dog is squinting, pawing at its face, drooling or has red eyes, rinse the eyes gently with cool water for several minutes.
3. Put on rubber gloves and old clothes. The oil will transfer to you as well.
4. Gather supplies before you mix anything. The peroxide solution must be used right after mixing, so everything else should be ready first (see the table below).
5. Move the dog to a spot you can rinse. A yard with a hose on a mild day is ideal. If it is cold, a tub in a garage or utility area is the next best choice.

Supplies you need

How to get skunk smell off a dog: step by step

Step 1: Protect the eyes and mouth

If the face was sprayed, rinse the eyes with cool water first. Do not apply the peroxide mixture near the eyes, ears or mouth. Peroxide can irritate the eyes and may contribute to corneal injury, so the face is handled separately in the next section.

Step 2: Mix the solution in an open container

Combine 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 to 2 teaspoons of dish soap in an open bowl or bucket. It will fizz. That fizzing is the reaction, and it is also why the mixture must never be capped or stored. Mixing it in a closed bottle can build up pressure and the bottle could burst.

Step 3: Apply to the coat while it is bubbling

Wearing gloves, work the foam through the affected areas, massaging down to the skin. Keep it away from the eyes, nose, mouth and inside the ears. Work in sections, starting with the body and legs.

Step 4: Leave it on for about 5 minutes

Set a timer. Five minutes is the usual guidance, and leaving it much longer raises the risk of bleaching dark or colored coats and drying the skin.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly with warm water

Rinse until the water runs clear and there is no slippery feeling left. Residue left in the coat can irritate the skin, so rinse longer than you think necessary.

Step 6: Wash with dog shampoo and rinse again

Follow with a regular dog shampoo or a skunk-specific shampoo to remove leftovers and any remaining odor. This is also a good point to use a deodorizing formula. Our guides to the best dog skunk shampoo and the best deodorizing dog shampoo compare options for this step.

Step 7: Dry and keep the dog warm

Towel dry well and keep the dog somewhere warm, preferably on a mild day outdoors or in a garage or porch, until the coat is dry. A cold, wet dog is miserable, and a damp coat is the best way to find out whether any odor remains.

Step 8: Throw away any leftover solution

Pour out the unused mixture right away. Do not save it for a second round. If you need another round, mix a new batch.

If the face or head was sprayed

The face is where most of the trouble happens. Spray in the eyes can cause intense redness, squinting and tearing. Rinse the eyes gently with cool water, and avoid rubbing. Do not use the peroxide solution on the face.

For the head, use a damp washcloth with diluted dog shampoo, wiping from the forehead toward the muzzle and avoiding the eyes and mouth. A face-specific skunk foam designed for use near the head can also help. Always follow the label, and call your vet if the eyes stay red, cloudy or painful.

Homemade vs commercial: which should you choose?

If you want something ready on the shelf before it happens, our roundup of the best shampoo for a skunked dog explains what to look for.

Adjusting the plan for your dog

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Cleaning the collar, home and car

• Collars, leashes and harnesses: wash them with detergent and baking soda, or replace inexpensive nylon ones.
• Bedding and towels: run them separately from other laundry, using detergent plus baking soda. Repeat if the smell lingers.
• Floors and upholstery: use an odor remover made for skunk spray and follow the label.
• Your own clothes and skin: wash clothes separately and shower with a deodorizing soap.
• Car: open the doors and windows, then wipe the seats with a suitable cleaner.

Product options worth considering

If you would rather not mix anything, a ready-made skunk shampoo is the simpler route. Choose formulas labeled for dogs, and keep any essential-oil products away from cats in the home.

Shampoo and conditioner for skunk odor

This 32-ounce skunk odor control shampoo and conditioner is made for dogs and cats, with a moisturizing conditioner and a lavender scent. It is a convenient pick for a gentler wash after the oil has been dealt with. The limitation is that a heavy hit may need two rounds, and the lavender scent may not suit every dog.

Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor Control Shampoo & Conditioner, 32 oz | Helps Remove Tough Skunk Odors From Dogs & Cats, No Wet Dog Smell, Gentle Formula Moisturizes Coat, Lavender Scent

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

View on Amazon →

Odor destroying shampoo for dogs

This veterinary-formulated 32-ounce de-skunk shampoo is made for dogs and is positioned as an odor-destroying wash. It is a straightforward, budget-friendly bottle to keep in the garage. The limitation is that, as with any shampoo, you may need to repeat the wash after a heavy hit.

Veterinary Formula De-Skunk Odor Destroying Shampoo for Dogs, 32oz

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

View on Amazon →

Ready-to-use skunk shampoo for pets and surfaces

This ready-to-use, non-enzymatic skunk odor remover is listed for dogs and cats, and for use around the home, car and clothes. That versatility is useful if the smell has spread. The limitation is that the small 8-ounce size may not stretch far on a large or thick-coated dog, so consider a larger size if you have one.

Skunk Off Pet Shampoo – Ready to Use Skunk Odor Remover for Dogs, Cats, Home, Carpet, Car & More – Non-Enzymatic Skunk Shampoo Dogs – Pet Odor Eliminator for Skunk Odor (8 oz)

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

View on Amazon →

Head and face foam

This fragrance-free foam is listed for the head and face, which are the tricky areas where peroxide is not recommended. It is useful for muzzle spray after rinsing the eyes. The limitation is that it is not meant as a whole-body treatment, so pair it with a full shampoo for the rest of the coat, and keep it away from the eyes.

NonScents Skunk Odor Remover Head & Face Foam - Skunk Odor from Pets | Easily Eliminates Skunk Odor, Ready to use for Dogs & Cats,Carpets, Clothing, Car & Home, Fragrance-free Freshener

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

View on Amazon →

When to see a vet or professional groomer

Call your vet promptly if you notice any of the following:

• Squinting, redness, cloudiness, swelling or discharge from the eyes that does not settle after rinsing, or temporary blindness.
• Spray in the nose or mouth, or the dog swallowed some and is vomiting, drooling heavily or gagging.
• Weakness, pale or yellowish gums, or lethargy within hours to a day after the spray. Skunk spray can rarely affect red blood cells, so this needs a vet visit quickly.
• Skin that becomes red, raw, blistered or very itchy after treatment.
• Any wound, bite or scratch. Skunks can carry rabies, so check that your dog’s rabies vaccination is current, and call your vet if the skunk bit or scratched your dog.

A professional groomer can help when the dog has a thick or matted coat, when you do not have an outdoor space, or when two home rounds have not worked. Tell them it was skunk spray before you drop the dog off.

How to reduce the chance of a repeat

• Supervise your dog in the yard around dawn and dusk, or keep it on a leash.
• Keep pet food and garbage secured outside, since they attract wildlife.
• Check under decks and sheds for burrows and block them off.
• Turn on an outdoor light for late-evening potty breaks.
• Teach a reliable recall so you can call your dog away from wildlife.

Frequently asked questions

How long does skunk smell last on a dog?

Untreated, the smell can linger for weeks, and it may seem stronger when the coat gets wet. Prompt treatment usually reduces it a lot, but a faint trace can come back after a later bath or in humid weather.

Does tomato juice get rid of skunk smell?

No, tomato juice is not an effective treatment. It may cover the odor briefly, but it does not break down the oily compounds, and it adds a messy extra bath to the job.

Can I use dish soap alone on my dog?

Dish soap can cut oil, but used alone it does not reliably handle the odor and can dry the skin. Use it in the peroxide mix as directed and follow with a dog shampoo and a thorough rinse.

Is the hydrogen peroxide mixture safe for dogs?

It is widely recommended, but only when made fresh, used at 3% strength, kept away from the eyes, ears and mouth, and rinsed off well. Never store it in a closed container, and ask your vet first if your dog has skin problems or is very young or old.

What should I do if my dog was sprayed in the face?

Rinse the eyes with cool water, then wipe the face with a damp cloth or use a product made for the head. Do not use the peroxide mix on the face, and call your vet if the eyes stay red or painful.

How do I get skunk smell out of my house?

Wash bedding with detergent and baking soda, clean hard surfaces with a suitable cleaner, use an odor remover made for skunk spray on fabric, and ventilate the rooms. Treating the dog outdoors first prevents most of the spread.

Can I bathe my dog again the next day?

Yes, a second wash is often needed. Use a gentle dog shampoo or a skunk shampoo, and avoid repeating the peroxide mix too often, since it can dry the coat.

Can skunk spray make my dog sick?

Usually it only causes irritation, but spray in the eyes, nose or mouth can cause problems, and rare blood effects are possible. Contact your vet if your dog seems unwell, vomits or has eye trouble.

Wrap-up

Move fast, keep the dog outside, protect the eyes, and use a fresh mix or a skunk-specific shampoo. Rinse well, dry the dog, wash the gear, and call your vet if anything beyond a smell shows up. With the right supplies at home, a skunk encounter becomes a one-afternoon problem.