Skunk Removal 101: What to Do If You or Your Pet Gets Hit

Brought to you by Action Services WPC

Getting sprayed by a skunk is an unforgettable experience—and not in a good way. The stench is overpowering, the cleanup is a nightmare, and if your pet was the unfortunate target, the situation becomes even more complicated. Whether you’ve been sprayed yourself or are trying to help your pet, you need to act fast and effectively to avoid long-lasting odor and discomfort.

At Action Services WPC, we’ve handled countless skunk encounters and helped families reclaim their homes from the aftermath. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what skunk removal is, what it does, and—most importantly—what steps to take when you or your pet gets hit.

Understanding Skunk Removal: What Makes It So Potent?

Skunk removal is a defensive mechanism used to ward off predators. It’s produced in the anal glands of the skunk and contains a mix of volatile sulfur-based compounds called thiols. These chemicals are incredibly foul-smelling and are designed to linger, sending a clear message: stay away.

Key Characteristics:

• Smell: Sulfurous, rotten eggs, burnt rubber, and garlic combined.
• Range: Can spray up to 10–15 feet.
• Effectiveness: Can be detected by the human nose at just 10 parts per billion.
• Stickiness: The spray clings to skin, fur, clothing, and porous surfaces.

The result? A smell that seems impossible to remove and a sense of panic for anyone who’s been hit.

Immediate Symptoms of Exposure

Whether it’s you or your pet that gets sprayed, you’ll notice the effects almost instantly:

For Humans:

• Burning or watering eyes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Temporary loss of smell
• Skin irritation in some individuals

For Pets:

• Rubbing face on carpet or grass
• Excessive drooling or pawing at the face
• Red, irritated eyes
• Whining, barking, or distress

In both cases, the quicker you act, the easier it will be to neutralize the odor and minimize discomfort.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If Your Pet Gets Sprayed

At Action Services WPC, we often get emergency calls from distressed pet owners. Here’s our tried-and-true approach for cleaning your dog or cat after a skunk encounter:

Step 1: Keep Your Pet Outside

Bringing your pet inside immediately after a spray will transfer the smell to your furniture, rugs, and walls. Leave your pet in the yard or garage while you prep your cleaning solution.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need:

• 1 quart (4 cups) of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• ¼ cup of baking soda
• 1–2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap (preferably Dawn)
• Rubber gloves
• Towels
• Eye rinse solution (for pets with red or irritated eyes)

Warning: Do NOT store this mixture in a closed container—it can build pressure and explode.

Step 3: Apply the De-Skunking Solution

Wearing gloves, apply the mixture to your pet’s dry fur. Avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth. Massage it in thoroughly, especially in the sprayed areas.

Leave it on for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat if necessary.

Never use tomato juice—it masks the odor temporarily but doesn’t neutralize the chemicals.

Step 4: Shampoo and Rinse

Follow up with your pet’s regular pet-safe shampoo to remove any remaining residue.

Step 5: Dry and Monitor

Towel dry your pet and keep them warm. Watch for symptoms like excessive drooling, vomiting, or unusual behavior, and call your vet if you’re concerned.

What to Do If YOU Get Sprayed

The steps are similar to what you’d follow for a pet but adapted for human skin and hair:

Step 1: Remove Contaminated Clothing

Clothes that have been sprayed will likely need to be soaked in a strong odor-neutralizing solution or even discarded. Bag them and keep them outside for now.

Step 2: Use the Same Homemade Solution

The hydrogen peroxide–baking soda–dish soap solution works on skin and hair too. Apply generously, avoiding eyes and sensitive areas. Leave it on for 5 minutes, rinse, and repeat if needed.

Step 3: Take a Thorough Shower

Use a deodorizing soap and wash your body and hair thoroughly.

Step 4: Rinse Your Eyes (If Irritated)

Use a saline solution or plain water to flush your eyes gently if you feel irritation or burning.

Dealing With Indoor Odor

If the smell has entered your home—whether from your pet, clothes, or an open door—you’ll need to act quickly to minimize the stench.

Odor Elimination Tips:

• Open windows and use fans to ventilate.
• Use white vinegar bowls around the house to absorb odor.
• Wash fabric surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water.
• Steam-clean carpets and furniture if needed.
• Sprinkle baking soda on fabrics and vacuum it up after a few hours.
• Wash clothing and linens with a cup of vinegar or specialized odor remover like Nature’s Miracle.

If the smell persists, Action Services WPC offers professional deodorizing services to fully sanitize and refresh your home.

Preventing Future Skunk Encounters

After one skunk incident, most homeowners are motivated to prevent another. Here are some ways to keep skunks off your property:

• Seal garbage cans tightly.
• Feed pets indoors and remove outdoor food dishes.
• Install motion-activated sprinklers or lights.
• Use fencing to block access under decks or sheds.
• Keep lawns trimmed to reduce hiding spots.
• Avoid leaving bird seed, compost, or fruit scraps out in the open.

If you’re dealing with a recurring skunk issue, call Action Services WPC. We’ll inspect your property, identify attractants, and safely remove any resident skunks.

Why You Should Avoid DIY Trapping

While trapping a skunk yourself might sound simple, it can go horribly wrong. A trapped or cornered skunk is far more likely to spray or bite. Additionally, improper handling can be illegal in some regions.

Professionals like those at Action Services WPC are trained to:

• Use humane traps and relocation procedures
• Identify skunk dens and breeding activity
• Safely remove adults and babies without injury
• Legally and ethically relocate animals
• Provide post-removal odor treatments

When to Call the Pros

You should call Action Services WPC immediately if:

• A skunk is nesting under your porch, deck, or shed
• You or your pets have been sprayed and can’t get the smell out
• The skunk appears sick or aggressive (possible rabies)
• You suspect multiple skunks or babies are present
• Odor is lingering in your home or vehicle

We offer emergency skunk removal and deodorizing services to help you get back to normal fast.

Final Thoughts

Being sprayed by a skunk is one of the most unpleasant experiences a homeowner or pet owner can endure—but it doesn’t have to ruin your week. By acting quickly, using the right de-skunking solutions, and knowing when to call the professionals, you can manage the situation with confidence.

At Action Services WPC, we’re here to support you through every step—from immediate skunk removal to lasting prevention and odor control. Don’t suffer through the stink—contact Action Services WPC today for fast, humane, and effective skunk solutions.