Grooming and coat
How do I get skunk smell out of my dog's coat?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A mixture of 1 liter (about 4 cups) of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, a quarter cup of baking soda, and a teaspoon of dish soap, worked through the coat and rinsed after five minutes, neutralizes most of the odor far better than tomato juice. A second wash with regular dog shampoo often removes what is left.
Why the classic home mixture works
Skunk spray contains compounds that hydrogen peroxide chemically breaks down rather than simply masks, which is why this mixture outperforms tomato juice, an older remedy that mostly just adds a competing smell rather than neutralizing the source. The baking soda and dish soap help lift oils from the coat that trap the odor.
Applying it safely
Mix the solution fresh each time, since it can build pressure if stored in a sealed container, and avoid the eyes and mouth entirely, rinsing well with plain water if any gets near them. Working it through the coat with gloved hands, focusing on the face, chest, and legs where spray usually lands, covers the areas that matter most.
If the smell lingers
A second application, followed by a normal shampoo wash, handles most remaining odor, though a faint smell for a few days afterward, especially when the coat gets damp again, is common and usually fades on its own. Spray that reaches the eyes directly, causing squinting or redness, is worth a same day vet check.
Key takeaways
- A hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap mixture neutralizes skunk odor far better than tomato juice.
- Mix the solution fresh each time and keep it away from the eyes and mouth.
- A faint lingering smell for a few days, especially when the coat gets damp, is normal and usually fades.