So you're Dog has had a meet-up with a Skunk?

Yes, we're talking about skunks and the odoriferous relationship they could have with your dog someday!  In the last few months there has been many misconceptions about what will really get rid of the skunk odor from your pet should disaster strike.

First, let's look at things from the skunks perspective. Skunks are very gentle, non-aggressive creatures that get a bad rap. People don't appreciate the benefits of skunks eating grubs, insects, mice and baby rats.  Skunks den in natural cavities like woodchuck burrows, hollow logs, brush piles, crevices in stone walls and under buildings.  And since skunks are nomadic (little black and white drifters) they use their dens for only a brief amount of time.  If they've decided to 'visit', they will usually move on in a short amount of time (unless they've decided to move in under your bedroom window - it can never be soon enough!)

I guess it's actually a miracle of nature that a skunk actually hits it's target. It's only defense is the noxious odor created by a sulfuric acid that is 'fired' from two independently operating anal glands. Just before the skunk 'unleashes' they give a warning to the offender by stamping their front feet. People seem to pay attention but it doesn't seem to make a difference to your dog who prefers to ignore the warning.

So after your poor dog has had it's skunk 'adventure', be sure to check their eyes, nose and mouth. The chemicals in the spray could cause irritation and inflammation of the throat and lungs also. So if your dog has unfortunately been sprayed directly in the face be sure to rinse your pet's eyes, nose and mouth with plenty of water.  If after rinsing their face and the eyes look red or they rub at their face you should take the dog to the vet.

Next part is the 'smell'.  Some people still use tomato juice but another mixture (potion?) some have tried:

1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap

After thoroughly soaking your dog in the mixture, rise them again with clean water.

There are shampoos and sprays formulated to neutralize skunk smell which are available from your vet and most pet supply stores.  Problem here being, your dog will never get sprayed while PetSmart is open that would be just too easy!  

It also seems that if you have a long haired dog you might have to 'sheer' the coat to also remove some of the lingering smell.

Good luck and glad to pass long this 'recipe'. Hope you learned something here and always remember to run like hell if you see a skunk doing the two-step!