Metro Detroit Dog Skunk Treatment:
De-Skunk Cleaning For Dogs

If your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, you'll readily agree that it's one of the most painful and smelly experiences a dog owner can endure.

At Scrubbers, we offer an affordable, de-skunk treatment package that can help get rid of the skunk-odor smell without the hassle. Our friendly staff will professionally bathe and deodorize your dog to remove as much of the smell from your pet’s coat.

Skunk spray is a form of sulfur. When the skunk sprays, it comes out in an oily form. That’s why it sticks to surfaces so well and permeates everything it touches. However, it doesn't have to hit a surface to give off skunk odor. It can do that just by being within a certain radius.

Once released, the skunk smell seems to travel everywhere and into everything. Closing doors can help but it can still permeate through the doors. It can even permeate your skin and your body. If not treated properly, a dog can carry the smell for up to two years.

Thoroughly cleaning your dog after he has been sprayed can be challenging, especially if your dog is experiencing irritation. Sometimes, the best solution is the easiest one -- hire someone else to do the dirty work for you.

At Scrubbers, our professionally trained staff are adept at treating dogs sprayed by skunks. We use professional strength, natural cleaner and odor remover that eliminates the skunk spray on your pet.

Scrubbers De-Skunk Grooming Package For Dogs & Cats

Our highly trained groomers will help you get rid of the skunk-odor smell:

1

We pre-bathe your dog with our deodorizing mixture of de-skunking shampoos. We then concentrate our efforts on the sprayed area(s) to remove the sulfur-containing chemicals sprayed on your pet's coat by the skunk during their unfortunate encounter.

2

After a solid rinse with warm water we pre-dry the coat to verify deodorization. If needed, we will repeat the process until we are sure the smell is gone.

3

We finish with a full-body bath using our blend of solutions to restore skin balance, head-to-tail rinse and dry, and a complete deep-coat brushing and fluff.

What To Do After Your Pet Is Sprayed By A Skunk

1

Keep your dog outside. If your dog has to be inside, isolate him in a room with open windows and close the door. You will need to inspect your dog’s eyes and skin for any problematic symptoms after the spray. If you notice a problem from the spray in your dog’s eyes, rinse them or use some saline solution to help.

2

Check your dog’s eyes. If they’re red or irritated, flush them immediately with saline solution or cool water if you don't have saline. There are also eyewash products on the market that are safe for dogs, and if you live in an area where skunks are common, it may be a good idea to keep some on hand. If the problem is too severe, bring your dog to the veterinarian.

3

Check your dog for any bites or scratches. If your dog has been bitten by a skunk, you should take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible, because the skunk may carry rabies.

4

Find the spot on your dog that got sprayed and wipe it off. The spray is usually found at the neck or shoulder area where the dog turned to avoid the spray. Always use a paper towel or some cloth that you can throw away later to wipe the dog.

5

Remove the oil from his coat as quickly as possible: So, now it’s bath time, either outdoors or in a separate space like a garage or barn. The most common household remedy to get rid of skunk odor used to be a tomato juice bath, although it had limited success. Today, there are more effective products on the market.

6

Wear gloves. You don’t want your hands to smell after you wipe. Remember to localize the wiping at the affected areas only, you don’t want to spread the spray by wiping across the non-affected areas on your dog’s coat.

7

Wash your own clothes. If any of the skunk smell gets on you during the bathing process, wash your clothes in regular laundry detergent and 1/2 cup of baking soda.

Common Locations Where Skunks Feel Cornered & Spray

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, skunks are found in every county in the state. In urban areas, skunks love to take up residence under decks and outside buildings, scouring the surrounding neighborhood for food.

Skunks are notorious for digging through trash and pet food, so keep your trash in a tightly sealed container and bring in any uneaten pet foods overnight. On walks, keep your pooch leashed, especially at dawn and dusk when skunks are most active.

Other common areas where skunks may spray include:

1

Bird feeders. They come for the seeds that are dropped beneath the feeder.

2

Garbage cans that are not secured.

3

Fruit trees with fruit left on the ground.

4

Wherever pet food is left out.

When your dog gets on the wrong side of a skunk, you won’t have any problem realizing it. There will be a very strong odor and your dog’s eyes will most likely be hurting, so he may be pawing at them in an effort to find relief.

No matter how well any recipe or commercial odor-removing product works, you may still have to go through the de-skunking process more than once to remove every trace of the skunk’s spray.

Give your dog a thorough sniff test after your first de-skunking session to the specific problem areas. With some effort and persistence, your dog will smell like his old self again.