What to Do If a Skunk Sprays Your Pet—Plus, How to Get the Smell Out

An encounter with a skunk is every pet owner's worst nightmare. Not only does their spray leave behind an overwhelming odor that is difficult to remove, but skunks may also have rabies, which can be transferred to your pet if they are bitten or scratched.

Planning ahead can make this stressful situation much more manageable. To help you stay prepared, we consulted veterinarians who explained what pet owners should do if their dog or cat is sprayed by a skunk, plus their tips for getting rid of the intense odor.

Immediate Steps to Take

When your pet is sprayed by a skunk, the first step is to carefully assess them for any medical concerns that might require veterinary care. "If possible, it is a good idea to keep your pet outdoors and wear gloves during this process," says Liza Cahn, DVM, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. "Skunk spray can cause irritation if it enters the eyes, mouth, or airways, so watch for redness, swelling, drooling, coughing, or vomiting." Check for bites or scratches, as skunks may be a potential source of rabies.

If your pet took a direct hit to the face, Efrem Hunter, DVM, owner of PetVet365 Cypress, says to immediately flush their eyes with cool water. "Skunk spray can cause serious pain and even temporary blindness, and delays of even 24 hours can lead to lasting damage," he says.

When to Call a Veterinarian

If your pet's eyes remain red, swollen, or painful after flushing, Dr. Hunter says to call your veterinarian immediately. 

Skunk spray contains compounds that, in rare cases, can cause serious red blood cell damage, including Heinz body anemia and methemoglobinemia. "The warning signs owners most often miss are the ones that can happen in the days after exposure," Dr. Hunter explains. This includes lethargy, weakness, discolored gums, or changes in urine color, warns April Summers, DVM, emergency veterinarian at AVSG Internal Medicine, Emergency & Critical Care.

Finally, don't underestimate the rabies risk skunks pose to pets. "Skunks account for roughly 20 percent of all rabies-positive animals tested annually in the U.S.," Dr. Hunter says. "Being sprayed alone doesn't transmit rabies—it requires a bite or scratch—but those wounds can be very difficult to spot in a thick coat."

Any time your pet has had a close physical encounter with a skunk, part the fur and look carefully. "If you find a wound, or aren't sure, call your veterinarian within 24 hours," Dr. Hunter advises.

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How to Remove the Skunk Smell From Pet Fur

The skunk smell is extremely potent, and it can be tracked into your home if you're not careful. "Be prepared to manage this outside your home as much as possible from the start," says Dr. Myers.

For a DIY method of removing skunk smells from pet fur, both Dr. Hunter and Dr. Myers recommend using the Krebaum method, which was created by chemist Paul Krebaum. For this, combine 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap. "Apply it carefully, rinse thoroughly, and repeat," Dr. Myers says. "Even with multiple rinses, you’ll reduce the smell—not eliminate it entirely. Time is part of the cure."

For a commercial product, Dr. Hunter recommends Thornell's Skunk-Off. "It's what most veterinary clinics keep in stock. It's available at Tractor Supply in both shampoo and premise spray, and unlike the peroxide formula, it won't bleach dark fur or damage fabrics," Dr. Hunter says. "After bathing, wash any collars, bedding, or clothing that the pet contacted. Even after a thorough bath, you may notice the odor return when your pet gets wet—that's normal and will fade over time."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common errors our veterinarians see when their pets encounter a skunk.

• Being aggressive while cleaning: Care should be taken to avoid getting any topical treatments in your pet’s eyes, mouth, ears, and nose.
• Using tomato juice or vinegar: Contrary to popular belief, tomato juice is unhelpful at removing skunk smell from pet fur, Dr. Cahn says. Vinegar baths are similarly ineffective.
• Applying to wet fur: Thioacetates in skunk spray smell worse when mixed with water, which is why many skunk odor removal products are meant to be applied to dry fur, Dr. Cahn explains.
• Using regular shampoos: Similarly, regular pet shampoos require the use of water, which can amplify the skunk smell, and should be avoided.
• Using strong peroxide: Never use peroxide stronger than three percent.
• Letting your pet inside too soon: Don't let your pet inside before they're fully de-skunked, Dr. Hunter says. The smell can seep into your furniture, carpet, and other furnishings in your home.
• Mixing formula ahead of time: Never mix the baking soda, dish soap, and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide formula ahead of time or seal it in a container, Dr. Hunter warns. The reaction continuously releases oxygen gas, and the pressure will rupture the bottle, or it may explode.

How to Prevent Future Skunk Encounters

Skunks are most active at dawn and dusk, so limit unsupervised outdoor time during those hours. Also, eliminate what attracts skunks to your yard to begin with. "Secure garbage cans, bring in pet food and water bowls at night, and block access to areas under decks and porches where skunks like to den," says Dr. Hunter. "Motion-activated lights and sprinklers are effective deterrents." Above all, make sure your pet's rabies vaccine is current. That's the single most important protective measure, Dr. Hunter adds.