Groomers’ Spell For Skunk Smell

Many times during the year the professional groomer’s phone rings with desperate cries for help…. “My dog has just been skunked! What do I do? Can you fix it?”

If only a magic spell existed to rid our pets of skunk smell. Unfortunately, there is no such thing. But there are a few grooming tricks that will somewhat reduce your pet’s odorous state.

If your dog tangles with a skunk, don’t bother with the tomato juice bath– it does not work. It was once thought that the citric acid in the tomato juice helped to reduce the odor, but it is does not. It simply makes a big mess, and turns the smelly pet a lovely pink color.

In fact, the most important weapon in fighting skunk smell is to avoid getting the dog wet. Water only spreads the skunk oil deeper into the coat and down to the skin, thus making it more difficult to remove. Time is an important factor– the sooner, the better! The following remedy will still work if it has been a while since the pet was sprayed, but it is the most effective if used immediately afterward.

Use regular mint mouthwash, apply it full-strength directly onto the sprayed area, avoiding the eyes, ears, and mucous membranes. Massage it into the coat well, and let it set for ten minutes. Do not rinse.

While the mouthwash soaks in, mix up this special shampoo: 2 quarts of hydrogen peroxide, 1 1/2 cups baking soda, 2 teaspoons of dish soap. After ten minutes has passed, proceed immediately with a bath using this mixture of special shampoo. This method is more effective if the mouthwash is not rinsed off prior to shampooing. Once the shampoo has been applied, massage it into the coat well, and let it set for 5 minutes. Rinse very, very well.

This will cut the odor down to approximately five percent of the original strength, leaving a minty smell. If you wish, you can follow this with another bath using a good quality pet shampoo to remove any residual left from the special remedies. While it isn’t a magic spell, it is an effective treatment, using items you probably already have around the house. Good luck!

Shannon Lynnes Heggem is an international speaker with a strong background in the pet care industry.

In the 1990′s, she established an upscale boarding resort and grooming spa in Havre, Montana. She then founded the Fast Track Institute of Pet Careers, a vocational school focused on pet-related careers.

Shannon quickly became one of the top experts in the pet care industry, as an educator, business consultant, speaker, and contest judge. She was the first Certified Master Groomer in Montana, and went on to become a Certified Kennel Operator. Only four people in the world actually hold both of these certification titles!

In 1998, Shannon’s life was forever changed when she narrowly escaped death. She was viciously attacked in her kennel by a Rottweiler, and amazingly, survived.

Since then, Shannon has overcome incredible obstacles to continue her life’s journey. The trauma was a turning point for her; she has now dedicated her life to writing and speaking, to help motivate others to succeed beyond their own experiences.