If you have a pet, there’s a good chance that it will get skunked at some point. Skunks are common in North America, and they can spray a potent odor that will stick to your pet for days. Cleaning your pet after a skunk has sprayed it can be difficult, but you can get the job done quickly and easily with the right tips and techniques. This article will discuss the best ways to clean a pet that has been skunked. It will provide instructions on each method, so you can choose the one that works best for you and your pet.
Pet Shampoo
One method is to use a pet shampoo to clean your skunked dog. However, make sure the shampoo does not contain any added dyes or perfumes as these chemicals may cause problems for the animal’s health and well-being. This method will work best in most cases if you bathe your pet within an hour of the skunk spraying them. Gradually work the shampoo into your dog’s fur, ensuring that all parts of their body are thoroughly covered. This will allow you to remove as much of the skunk smell from your dog’s fur as possible, so it doesn’t remain there for long periods.
Baking Soda
Baking soda may be one of the best ways to clean a skunked pet. Mix three tablespoons of baking soda with every cup of warm water that you use to bathe your pet. You can use your pet’s regular shampoo or dish soap, but make sure it’s completely free of any dyes or perfumes.
Then, lather up your pet and allow the shampoo to remain on the hair and skin for about five minutes. After that, rinse thoroughly. Doing this will help neutralize the smell of skunk spray from your pet’s fur. While a baking soda-based cleanser may not eliminate odors, it can certainly reduce them significantly, making the smell much more tolerable for both you and your pet.
Vinegar
Vinegar may be effective when it comes to skunk odor removal as well. Different types of vinegar, including white and apple cider vinegar, have been known to give a great shampoo-like cleaning action on a pet that a skunk has sprayed. Mix one cup of vinegar with every three cups of warm water you use for your pet’s bath. Bathe your pet as you normally would, using the mixture to remove the skunk smell from their fur rather than shampoo or dish soap.
