It happens in an instant. You let the dog out in the backyard at night, hear a yelp, and then… the smell hits you. It’s not just a bad smell; it’s a physical assault on your senses. Your dog has been sprayed by a skunk.

Your first instinct might be to grab the tomato juice. Stop. Tomato juice is an old wives’ tale. It does not remove skunk odor; it only masks it temporarily (and leaves you with a pink, tomato-smelling dog).

To truly remove skunk spray, you have to understand the chemistry behind it.

The Science of Skunk Spray

Skunk spray is an oil produced by the anal glands. It contains sulfur-based compounds called thiols. These thiols are what give the spray its signature rotten-egg stench.

Because it is an oil, water alone won’t wash it off—it just spreads it. To eliminate the smell, you need a chemical reaction that oxidizes the thiols, changing their molecular structure so they no longer smell.

The Chemist’s Recipe (The “Magic” Mixture)

This recipe was developed by a chemist and is widely recognized as the most effective home remedy. You likely have the ingredients in your kitchen right now.

Ingredients:

• 1 Quart of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (fresh bottle is best)
• 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
• 1 Teaspoon of Liquid Dish Soap (Dawn works best for cutting the oil)

Instructions:

1. Mix Immediately: Combine the ingredients in a large open bucket or bowl. The mixture will fizz vigorously. Do not mix this in a closed bottle or sprayer—the gas pressure will cause it to explode.
2. Apply to Dry Coat: Do not wet the dog first. Apply the foaming mixture directly to the dry fur where they were sprayed.
3. Rub It In: Work the lather deep into the coat, down to the skin. Be extremely careful to avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Let It Sit: Leave the mixture on for 5 minutes. This gives the chemical reaction time to work.
5. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
6. Repeat: If the smell persists, repeat the process.

Important Safety Notes

• Do not store it: This mixture is unstable. You must use it immediately and discard any leftovers. You cannot make it ahead of time.
• Bleaching: Hydrogen peroxide can bleach black fur (or fabrics) slightly reddish. This is temporary on fur but permanent on clothes.
• Eyes: If spray got in your pet’s eyes, flush them with cool water or saline solution immediately.

Removing Smell from the House

If the skunk sprayed under your house or the smell drifted inside:

1. Ventilate: Open all windows and turn on fans.
2. Bowls of Vinegar: Place bowls of white vinegar around the house to absorb odors.
3. Change Filters: Replace your HVAC air filter, as the oil droplets can get trapped there.

If a skunk has sprayed under your home (in a crawl space), the odor can linger for months. In this case, you need professional help. Critter Removal of Louisville offers professional deodorization services using ozone generators and commercial-grade enzymatic foggers to neutralize the scent at the source.