Ridding pets of skunk smell requires chemistry

By Beth Leermakers

If you’ve ever had a dog or cat sprayed by a skunk, you know how powerful — and long-lasting — the odor can be. Skunks, members of the aptly named Mephitidae family (meaning “stink”), are equipped with one of nature’s most notorious defense mechanisms: the ability to spray their musk. Understanding why and how skunks spray can help you protect your pets and deal with the smell if it happens.

The Mephitidae family contains 10 species of skunks, which come in different sizes and coloration, and two species of stink badger. The striped skunk’s Latin name is Mephitis mephitis, which translates to “bad odor, bad odor” or “stink, stink.” The repetition emphasizes the strength of the odor, which is the skunk’s most famous defense mechanism. Mother skunks are protective of their young and are known to spray at any sign of danger. Baby skunks, called kits, can spray when they’re just eight days old — about two weeks before their eyes open.

Skunks are mostly nocturnal, sleeping in leaf-lined dens or burrows during the day. They eat fruit, plants, insects, bird eggs, small rodents and even birds. Birds like the great horned owl hunt skunks — likely because their weak sense of smell renders the skunk’s spray defense ineffective.

Stripes point toward where the spray comes out (tail area), alerting predators. Research revealed that animals that fight a predator instead of running away often have markings that draw attention to their best weapon. A badger has stripes on its face to [highlight] his sharp teeth, while skunks broadcast their ability to spray their enemies. 

Skunks don’t want to spray people or pets. Replenishing the musk takes 10 to 14 days, leaving skunks defenseless until they re-load. To avoid depleting their supply, they try to escape from the threatening situation. If they can’t escape, skunks warn predators that they’re feeling threatened before discharging their spray. They try to intimidate their target by stamping their feet, hissing and raising their tail. Spotten skunks even do a handstand dance. 

If the person or animal doesn’t back off, skunks position themselves in a u-shape so their spray hits their mark without getting any on itself. The skunk then shoots the spray up to 10 feet out of anal glands under their tail. In addition to the foul smell that lasts for days or even weeks, the spray is irritating and can even cause temporary blindness for 10 to 15 minutes when musk gets in the eyes. People can detect the scent from up to a mile away.  

How to rid your dog (or cat) of that skunky smell

The chemical makeup of skunk spray varies depending on the species, but all sprays contain compounds called “thiols.” Thiols — composed of a sulfur and hydrogen atom bonded together — typically have a strong smell. Other molecules in skunk spray — called thioacetates — help the oily spray cling to surfaces. Thioacetates are odorless, but they turn into smelly thiols when they’re exposed to water. That’s why bathing your dog or cat doesn’t get rid of the skunky smell. 

Tomato juice masks the smell for a short time, but it doesn’t get rid of it. To eliminate the stench, you need to use a solution that converts the thiol compounds into a different type. Fortunately, this homemade solution does the job:

• 1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide

• 1/4 cup baking soda

• and 1 teaspoon liquid soap

Mix these ingredients in an open container and use the solution immediately. Do NOT mix the ingredients in advance because oxygen released from the solution may cause a closed container to explode. When you’re finished, dilute the remaining solution with water and pour it down the drain. Do NOT store the solution. 

Tips:

Bathe your dog outside using a hose, to prevent the skunk odor from getting into your home. If outdoor bathing isn’t an option, remove the bath rug, shower curtain and anything else in the bathroom that the skunk oil may cling to. 

Wearing gloves, sponge this solution over your pet, being careful not to splash it in her eyes or mouth. Leave the solution on your pet’s hair for five minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water. Hydrogen peroxide causes vomiting if it’s ingested, so don’t let your pet lick her fur after you apply the product. 

I hope your pets steer clear of skunks, but if they don’t, you’ll know what to do. 

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