• Home
• Adoption
  • Adoption Policy
  • Things To Consider Before Adoption
  • Available for Adoption
• Success Stories
• Look Beyond the Fur
• Caring For Your Pet
  • Steps to a Happier Pet
  • General Hot Weather Tips
  • General Cold Weather Tips
  • Cold Weather Tips - Cats
  • Cold Weather Tips - Dogs
  • Cats - Fencing
  • Dogs- Barking
  • Dogs - Digging
  • Lost & Found
  • Veterinarian List
• Education
  • Animal Abuse
  • Pet Overpopulation
  • Spay/Neuter Myths and Facts
• Pet Surrender
• Wildlife Information
  • Just What is a Nuisance Animal?
  • Trap Loan Agreement
  • Coexisting with Skunks
  • Home Remedies for Skunk Odors
  • Snake Control
  • Problem Squirrels
  • Deer Repellent
• How To Help
  • Wish List
  • Buy a Brick
  • Buy a Dog Bed
  • Thank You
• Our Staff
  • Canine Ambassador
  • Feline Ambassador
• Volunteer Information
• Additional Resources

Home Remedies for Skunk Odors

Several good store-bought treatments are Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor Removal, Skunk-Off, Odor-Mute, etc. You don't need to burn or throw away clothes or other items that are sprayed. Soak in vinegar, then Dawn dish soap, use laundry detergent, and dry in the sun until the last traces of odor are gone. Fresh air and sun are the key elements! A negative ion generator (Alpine is a good brand) will remove skunk smell from the whole home/auto. Just crank it up to the maximum for a day when not home. Check with your local distributor.

If a skunk sprays you or your pet, there are several "home remedies" that work. Forget tomato juice!

Home Remedy #1
Use distilled vinegar to sponge the area that is sprayed to "neutralize the odor". Then use Dawn dish soap to "cut through the oil" (skunk spray is a very oily foam). Follow with regular shampoo and conditioner.
Since a dog is usually sprayed in the face:

1. Rinse the eyes under water;

2. Do use the tomato sauce or juice for the dog to eat or clean their mouth; and

3. Fine mist a 50-50 solution of vinegar-water up the nose (make sure you don't aspirate your dog!), otherwise you will be able to smell the skunk spray odor for a very long time when near their face (and so will your dog!).

Home Remedy #2
Mix 1qt hydrogen peroxide, 1 box baking soda and 2 tablespoons of blue Dawn dish soap.
Sponge or spray on, leave on for 20 minutes, rinse and shampoo with usual brand.

Links