Greenbriar Animal Hospital

If you can, purchase a bottle of Skunk-Off Soaker and keep it with your pet supplies in case of an encounter with a skunk. This is a terrific product that is safe to use directly on your dog’s face and head. If your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, wear gloves to keep the stuff off your skin! Use one bottle of Skunk-Off Soaker if you have it or use LOTS of cool or tepid water to rinse off the sprayed area; a garden hose works well. Do this first and then follow with Skunk-Off Shampoo (follow directions carefully) or make up your own skunk shampoo treatment (see recipe below). Work the treatment into the haircoat and skin and massage it in very well. Avoid eyes, ears, and mouth. Let sit for 10-15 minutes (this contact time is very important so use a timer) and then rinse well. Most dogs who get sprayed get it right in the face and this is a difficult area to bathe well and safely at home. Home-made skunk treatment recipe: mix one quart hydrogen peroxide with ¼ cup baking soda and add 1 teaspoon of Dawn dishwashing detergent or 1 tablespoon of dog shampoo. Discard any collar, harness, or leash your pet was wearing, or use the same treatment on them and then wash well in your washing machine. Leather items will need to be discarded, as will extendable leashes!