My pet was sprayed by a skunk. How do I get rid of the smell?

If your pet tangles with a neighborhood skunk, it’s hard to ignore the evidence. The odor can linger for up to a month! There are some commercial deodorizers available at pet stores. But a reliable home solution is one cup of water, a half-cup baking soda, a teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap, and a quart of hydrogen peroxide. Work the fizzy solution deep into your pet’s coat and then rinse thoroughly, making sure to keep the solution out of your pet’s eyes, nose and mouth.

Another problem with skunk sprays is that the foul odor can throw off a pet’s sense of smell, which may affect the animal’s appetite – especially in cats. Adding water or heating your pet’s food may increase its appeal.

– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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