You always know when a skunk is nearby thanks to that signature smell they give off. A skunk that feels threatened or forced to protect itself uses its natural self-defense mechanism; a pungent liquid spray. They use this spray against any and all predators; like coyotes, cougars, bobcats, hawks, humans, and dogs. Unfortunately, if a person or dog is sprayed by a skunk, the smell can linger for weeks if not properly treated right away.

Dogs are common victims of skunk sprays because they are so curious and like to sniff the rear-ends of other fellow animals. This is the leading reason why dogs are sprayed by skunks. This situation has thousands of pet owners asking, “How to I get rid of this skunk smell, fast?” Continue reading to find out how to safely remove skunk odor from skin, clothing, pet fur, patios, and more.

Removing Skunk Spray

There is one solid homemade solution that everyone swears by. The recipe calls for 1 pint of hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup of baking soda (not powder), 2 tablespoons of dish soap, and 1 full bottle of apple cider vinegar. If a skunk sprays and comes into contact with human skin, hair, or clothing, this household detergent will do the trick. Simply combine the first three ingredients and apply to the affected area. Finish by applying the vinegar amply, and allowing it to sit for ten minutes. Rinse clean with warm water.

If skunk spray comes into contact with pet fur, use the first three ingredients and saturate the contaminated fur with it. Be sure to keep this solution far away from the eyes and mouth. Allow it to sit for ten minutes then rinse it clean. Repeat this step a few times depending on the degree of skunk smell. Once you are finished with this step, bathe the pet fur in the apple cider vinegar. Allow the vinegar to soak for several minutes, and then rinse the fur clean. Next, shampoo and condition the pet fur with pet-safe products. Rinse thoroughly. This should remove the majority, if not all, of the skunk odor.

Objects like cars, buildings, tractors, and more can also retain skunk smell if sprayed. For these areas, you will need to use an equal mix of bleach and water. These solution safely cleans and sanitizes the area without causing the skunk oils to spread. Be prepared to rinse and repeat a number of times before fully ridding the smell for good. For enclosed spaces where a skunk has sprayed, like crawl spaces or sheds, cover the area with plastic tarp, then open a bag of charcoal inside. The charcoal will absorb the airborne skunk oils and odor.

Indianapolis Skunk Removal Services

Call Wildlife Animal Removal at 317-257-2290 for safe and humane skunk removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed and insured animal control professionals with decades of experience in the wildlife removal industry. We use only safe and humane methods to remove skunks from properties, and never kill animals. For the fastest and most affordable skunk removal in Indianapolis, call 317-257-2290 and talk to a licensed wildlife control specialist today.