Tips On Getting Rid Of Skunk Spray Smell

STRONGSVILLE, OH — It's skunk season in Northeast Ohio. To help protect you and your pets, Strongsville Animal Warden Chuck McCleary shared tips on how to keep your pet from getting sprayed this year.

"First, to prevent skunk-pet encounters, visually scan your yard before just opening your door to let your pets out, especially around decks, foundations, outbuildings and fence lines. Animal-proofing around all decks and sheds is also a great tool in preventing most unwanted encounters with not only skunks but all wildlife," McCleary said on the city's Facebook page.

He added that if a resident does get sprayed there are easy-to-take steps to get rid of the smell.

"If your dog rubbed some of the stink onto you, you can rid your clothes of the smell by using regular laundry detergent mixed with a half-cup of baking soda," he said.

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Cleaning a Pet

There are over-the-counter products that help get rid of the skunk stench if a pet does get sprayed, but McCleary outlined an at-home method for restoring the natural order of smells to your life.

Here's the outline:

First, keep your pet outside. If they got sprayed, check their eyes and see if they're agitated. If the eyes are red, flush them with cool water. In the meanwhile, keep the pet outside so the skunk smell does not carry inside.

Then, McCleary said to mix together the following:

• 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide (available at any pharmacy)
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon liquid dish washing soap

You should think don rubber gloves and wash the pet with the solution. Be careful not to get the solution in the pet's eyes. Rub the mixture through the fur, but don't leave it applied for too long (you don't want to bleach your animal). Rinse the pet thoroughly.

Also, do not store the mixture you made. If left in a bottle, the mixture could explode.

"Next, wash your dog with pet shampoo and rinse thoroughly. By now, he should be de-skunked and smelling sweet. Thoroughly towel-dry your dog, and be sure to place him in a warm, sunny room for the next couple of hours so he doesn't get chilled," McCleary said.

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