So, your Doodle had a late-night rendevouz with a skunk? Good thing there are multiple effective ways to quickly de-skunk your furry friend. Although it might take a couple of tries to completely eliminate that lingering skunk odor, with a little patience and some essential tools, you'll have your pup smelling fresh again in no time.
Step 1: Gain Control of Your Doodle
The first step in tackling the skunk smell is gaining control of your Doodle. Trust me, I know it's easier said than done when they're bouncing around like a kangaroo on caffeine.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Doodle
Now that you have managed to reign in your furry tornado, it's time to assess the damage. Take a moment to evaluate your Doodle and determine the areas that need immediate attention.
Start by focusing on the face. Skunk spray can be particularly irritating to the eyes, so it's crucial to flush them out. Gently, using clean water or a saline solution, rinse your pet's eyes to minimize any discomfort. Remember to be patient and take breaks if needed, as flushing the eyes can be a bit of a challenge, especially if your pup is not too keen on the idea.
After taking care of the eyes, it's time to move on to the rest of their body. Skunk oil tends to cling to the fur, so it's important to soak it up as much as possible before moving on to washing. Grab some paper towels or old towels to blot the affected areas. This will help absorb some of the odor-causing oil and make the washing process a bit easier.
If you happen to have a commercial de-skunking product on hand, now would be a great time to use it. These products are specifically formulated to help neutralize the pungent odor and can be especially effective in removing the stubborn skunk oil. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, as each brand may have slightly different application methods.
Remember, patience is key throughout this process. Your pet may be feeling a bit anxious or uncomfortable, so it's important to provide them with reassurance and comfort.
Step 3: Shampoo Your Doodle
Now that you've taken care of your dog's eyes and soaked up some of that skunky residue, it's time to grab the shampoo and get to work! If you have a commercial de-skunking pet shampoo, follow the instructions provided, as these are specifically designed to tackle the stinky situation. However, if you don't have any of those fancy products on hand, don't worry! Here are some DIY homemade skunk odor remover remedies:
DIY De-skunking Mixture #1
Ingredients
- 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 tsp of liquid dishwashing soap
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients in a bowl until they form a nice, bubbly potion.
- Put on some rubber gloves to protect your hands from any skunky residue.
- Wet your Doodle's coat with warm water.
- Apply mixture into their fur, paying extra attention to the areas that were skunked, like the face, chest, or tail.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes. This will give the ingredients some time to work their magic and neutralize that pesky skunk odor.
- Rinse your Doodle's coat with clean water, making sure to get rid of all the shampoo residue.
- Provide your Doodle with lots of love and reassurance.
DIY Deskunking Mixture #2
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup lukewarm water
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients in a bowl.
- Put on some rubber gloves to protect your hands from any skunky residue.
- Wet your Doodle's coat with warm water.
- Apply mixture into their fur, paying extra attention to the areas that were skunked, like the face, chest, or tail.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes. This will give the ingredients some time to work their magic and neutralize that pesky skunk odor.
- Rinse your Doodle's coat with clean water, making sure to get rid of all the shampoo residue.
- Provide your Doodle with lots of love and reassurance
Step 4: Towel-Dry Your Doodle
Gently patt your dog's coat with the towel. Work your way from head to tail, making sure to be extra thorough around the skunked spots.
Step 5: Wash Your Clothes
Now that you and your pup have successfully conquered the de-skunking process, it's time to tackle your skunk-smelling clothes. You can use regular laundry detergent combined with a little baking soda or purchase bottle of skunk odor remover that's designed specifically for use in washing machines.
Best De-Skunking Products Your Doodle
Best De-Skunking Dog Pre-Treatment: Nature's Miracle - Skunk Odor Pre-Treatment
Best Natural De-Skunking Dog Shampoo: kin+kind - Skunk Shampoo
Best Commercial De-Skunking Dog Shampoo: Skunk Off - Pet Shampoo
Best Apple Cider Vinegar for DIY: Sanniti - Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
