Springtime in the Rockies means the critters are out and about. Tired of marauding raccoons, I’d been live-trapping and relocating them. I was surprised and less than delighted one morning to find a young skunk in the trap. I knew how to handle this situation: Toss a rug, blanket or even a bath towel over the trap so that it’s completely covered (bottom doesn’t seem to matter), and the skunk won’t spray. You’re then safe to put it into your truck or trunk and release the little guy in a new location. However, I didn’t bother with all that, and my moccasins and pant legs got sprayed. Later that evening, with our cabin still not completely disinfected from my stupidity, Clara, our Golden Retriever, decided she needed to nip a big skunk on the butt and took a full dose in the face. After an hour of her burying her face in soft melting snow and otherwise trying to get the worst off, we barricaded her on the porch and called a friend who had discovered a skunk antidote that really works. She sent us to the Internet, and there it was:
- 1 qt. 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 tsp liquid soap.
Use a garden hose to rinse the doggie (or yourself) off, then slowly pour the antidote on and rub it in, as if giving a bath. Rinse with clean water, dry, and…it’s a miracle! Certainly skunk essence is so pervasive that it will stick to the inside of your nose for a long while. Launder the clothing you wore while administering the cure, along with the towels you used to dry the dog. If the dog was wearing a collar, don’t forget to wash it in the same solution.
After experimenting with a lifetime of failed–and often very messy–home concoctions or expensive skunk antidotes, this one is cheap, easy, and truly works.
Removing skunk essence advise is good with one exception. In Ohio as in most States, it is illegal to relocate a trapped raccoon, skunk or other “nuisance animals” to a different area and release them. They must be killed or released where caught. This is done to prevent the spread of distemper and rabies among wild animal populations.
Have used this concoction for years, it is extremely effective. Word of caution, hydrogen peroxide is caustic and very irritating therefore be extremely careful not to get any of the solution in your or your dog’s eyes. Otherwise it is a great remedy.
This is 100% accurate. Skunk mating season is not a fun time in our area and our Aussies have had more than 1 severe skunk encounter. We now keep a large stock-pile of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda on hand.
I found that the best deordorant is feminine douche. My preferred brand is “Summers Eve”. It is colorless & odorless. Apply it liberally and allow it to air dry on the dog. It is gentle and won’t harm the animal. It neutralizes the skunk spray. However, if the dog gets wet immediately after application, the wetness will minimize the effectiveness. I always keep a couple bottles up at the hunting cabin and in my truck when hunting.
I seem to remember this same formula for a homemade scent eliminator to spray on yourself for big game hunting.
Works well on cat or dog “accidents“ in the house. We have effectively used this on hard wood floors.
From the skunks way of think’n your the one that skrewed up
This has been a standard in the hunting rig for 30 yrs and it works. It helps to try to wash off the dog first, right after getting sprayed.
This also works for a dog that has rolled in all sorts of nasty things which my dogs love to do.