{"id":8995,"date":"2020-05-05T10:00:45","date_gmt":"2020-05-05T15:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/?p=8995"},"modified":"2023-11-10T07:03:00","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T13:03:00","slug":"skunked-dog-remedy-myth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.diamondpet.com\/blog\/culture\/myths\/skunked-dog-remedy-myth\/","title":{"rendered":"Debarking Pet Myths: Does Tomato Juice Remove Skunk Spray?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to another installment of \u201cDebarking Pet Myths,\u201d our monthly series that addresses common myths, misconceptions and old wives\u2019 tales about dogs, cats and their nutrition.<\/em><\/p>\n

The saying \u201ccuriosity killed the cat\u201d applies as much to our dogs as it does our cats. But canine inquisitiveness \u2014 and the desire to give all creatures a good sniff \u2014 can have smelly consequences when your dog meets a skunk.<\/p>\n

If you ask most people how to rid your dog of \u201ceau de skunk,\u201d the most common answer is the subject of this month\u2019s myth: A tomato juice bath removes skunk spray.<\/strong> The fact is, however, more effective options are available. We\u2019ll explain what those are and the best way to approach bath time. But first, why is skunk spray (also called skunk musk) so stinky and tough to remove?<\/p>\n

What\u2019s skunk spray and why\u2019s it so stinky?<\/h3>\n

Skunk musk is an oily, repulsive-smelling liquid secreted by and stored in a skunk\u2019s anal glands, which are located on each side of the anus. When threatened or surprised, all six species of North American skunks can spray this secretion, either as a mist or directed stream, for 7 to 15 feet in order to repel predators. And skunks are highly accurate in their aim.<\/p>\n

Chemists have been both fascinated and repelled by skunk spray. Research into the chemical components<\/a> of skunk musk dates back to 1862 and, even today, studies continue into the effects of skunk spray on those unlucky enough to be \u201cskunked,\u201d as well as strategies for neutralizing the odor.<\/p>\n

The overpowering, offensive scent of skunk spray is attributed to sulfur-based organic chemicals called thiols and thioacetates, which stick to hair and other surfaces. Thiol compounds give skunk spray its blast of immediately pungent smell that\u2019s reminiscent of rotten eggs.<\/p>\n

The thioacetates aren\u2019t initially as smelly as the thiol components, but are converted to (guess what?) thiols when water is added. It\u2019s these compounds that give skunk spray its smelly staying power.<\/p>\n

If your dog (or cat) has a close encounter of the skunk kind, don\u2019t panic. Follow these steps to ensure your pet hasn\u2019t been injured and quickly and effectively get rid of the smell.<\/p>\n

DON\u2019T take your pet inside<\/h3>\n

While your first instinct is to get your skunked dog inside and in the bathtub, DON\u2019T DO IT.<\/p>\n

The skunk smell can quickly pervade your home and home furnishings, where it can linger even after your pet is clean. Your best bet is to \u201cdecontaminate\u201d your dog outside, if at all possible. You\u2019ll want to wear old clothes and gloves to keep the skunk musk from transferring to your skin.<\/p>\n

Get your cleaning supplies together and then get to work.<\/p>\n

Evaluate your pet for symptoms and injuries<\/h3>\n

Skunks often spray dogs in the face (not terribly surprising given some dogs\u2019 propensity to sniff everything!). Before you start bathing, check your dog\u2019s eyes, nose and mouth for signs of irritation such as redness, squinting, watering, sneezing or drooling. Skunk spray is very irritating and may even cause temporary blindness. It can also cause vomiting if your dog is sprayed in the mouth. So if you notice your dog\u2019s eyes are red or irritated, gently rinse them with cool, clean water and contact your veterinary clinic or nearest emergency veterinary hospital.<\/p>\n

You also need to check your pet for any scratches or bites. While it\u2019s unlikely your dog got close enough to the skunk to be bitten \u2014 given the range a skunk can spray \u2014 skunks can carry rabies<\/a>. Again, if you notice any injuries, seek veterinary care immediately.<\/p>\n

\u201cDe-skunking\u201d your pet<\/h3>\n

Now\u2019s the time to remove the skunk stink from your dog. To get rid of skunk odor, the chemical compounds in skunk musk must be removed from the pet\u2019s coat or chemically altered.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re thinking that a tomato juice bath is the answer, it isn\u2019t. Tomato juice might wash off some of the thiols and thioacetates that cause skunk odor, but it doesn\u2019t chemically alter or neutralize those compounds and, subsequently, their smell. Changing the thiols into chemicals that have little or no odor is the key to getting rid of skunk stink.<\/p>\n

The best option for removing skunk spray from your pet is an over-the-counter skunk odor remover. These products are specifically formulated for removing skunk spray and can be bought from your veterinarian or local pet store.<\/p>\n

But if you\u2019re dealing with a skunked pet after your pet store or veterinary clinic has closed (which seems to happen more often than not), there\u2019s another option available. And it requires ingredients you likely have already in your kitchen and bathroom.<\/p>\n

DIY skunk odor remover<\/h3>\n

Paul Krebaum, a chemist in Lisle, Illinois, is credited with developing the first home remedy for removing skunk spray from pets<\/a>. His formula was published in Chemical and Engineering News<\/em> in October 1993. Here are step-by-step instructions for Krebaum\u2019s DIY remedy, courtesy of Covetrus<\/a> and dvm360<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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  1. Mix the following ingredients<\/strong> in an open container or large bowl:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n