The smell of a skunk in the distance is enough to make most people cringe. In suburban Austin, Texas cities you may get to smell this scent more than you would care to as skunks are common in the outlying areas. Most people are fortunate enough to not ever be sprayed by a skunk, but dogs do not always fare so well. Dogs do not realize that skunks can release their pungent spray and do not exercise caution when they are around skunks. What do you do if you or your dog is sprayed by a skunk to get rid of the unpleasant aroma?
Tomato Juice for Skunk Spray on Dog?
You may have heard that the best method for getting rid of skunk spray is to bath the human or the dog in tomato juice. This tip has been circling around for years! William F. Wood, a scientist at Humboldt State University, explains that the tomato juice does not actually get rid of the skunk smell. The tomato juice appears to work because the human nose begins smelling the tomato juice instead of the skunk smell. If one of your friends was to come over after your tomato juice bath, they would confirm that the skunk spray smell is still lingering.
Removing Skunk Odor with Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Luckily there are other methods out there to get rid of the skunk smell. Multiple sources have recommended using one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent. Simply mix the three ingredients together and use them immediately. This solution is safe of humans, pets, clothing, and furniture. Attempting to cover or store the mix is not recommended because it can explode in a closed container. To dispose of the leftover solution, dilute it with water, and pour it down the drain.
How to Remove Skunk Smell
Additional methods are shared online, but the tomato juice and the hydrogen peroxide mix mentioned above seem to be the most shared and proven methods. If you use one of those and the smell is still lingering you can try these other recommendations:
• If your pet has been sprayed this vanilla mixture is recommended. Mix one cup of vanilla extract with one gallon of water. Let the solution soak on your dog for about 10 minutes. Then apply dog shampoo and wash your dog as normal.
• Using apple cider vinegar and water is another technique mentioned. Use two parts water with one part apple cider vinegar and mix well. Apply the solution to a wet human or animal. Rub the solution into the skin or fur. Let the solution sit for about 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. You will need to make sure that the solution does not get in your eyes or your animals’ eyes as it would definitely sting!
How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell in House
Once the skunk smell has been removed from the human or pet that got sprayed you will need to address your home if the smell was inadvertently brought indoors. Immediately wash any clothes that were sprayed. You will also want to wash any upholstery and carpet that may have been sprayed or touched by someone that was sprayed. Opening your windows, turning on fans, and changing your air filters can also help get the smell out of your home.
Skunk Wildlife Inspections, Control & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
When you can finally breathe deeply again you will want to address how to get rid of the skunk or skunks that are in your area. Skunks can be tricky to get rid of! Here at A-Tex Pest Management we specialize in skunk an other wildlife removal. Give us a call today and let us help you rid your property of skunks.