Dog Smells Like Skunk? Skip the Tomato Juice, Do This Instead
Tomato juice only masks the smell. Check the dog first, then use a fresh peroxide, baking soda and dish soap mix on a dry coat, or a skunk odor shampoo.
By Jamilur Rahman Updated November 5, 2026 · 6 min read
- Time
- 45 min
- Cost
- Under $20
- Difficulty
- Medium
In this guide
Quick answer
Dog smells like skunk? Skip the tomato juice, which only masks the odor. Check your dog's eyes and mouth first, then work a fresh mix of 3% hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and dish soap into the dry coat outdoors, leave it for 5 minutes and rinse. A skunk odor remover shampoo made for dogs is the ready-made option when you have no peroxide or a smell is left over.
Free fix vs. permanent fix
Fresh peroxide, baking soda and dish soap mix
- Check the eyes and mouth first, and rinse them with plain water
- Mix fresh in an open container and use it right away
- Work it into a dry coat and leave it for 5 minutes
- Rinse well, then shampoo with a dog shampoo
How long it lasts: Takes out most of the smell in one round. A faint trace can come back when the dog gets wet, and a second round may be needed.
A skunk odor remover shampoo made for dogs
Skunk spray is an oily, sulfur-based liquid that clings to fur and skin. A shampoo made to neutralize it needs no mixing, will not bleach the coat the way peroxide can, and is the easier route for a puppy or a second round.
What to get: Skunk odor remover shampoo for dogs
How long it lasts: Works in one wash, and a spare bottle is ready the next time a skunk comes by.
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What you'll need
-
Rubber gloves
The smell sticks to skin and the mix can irritate
You have it -
3% hydrogen peroxide
Use a fresh bottle. Old, opened peroxide loses its strength
You have it -
Baking soda and dish soap
Plain liquid dish soap, nothing fancy
You have it -
Old towels
You will want to throw them out or wash them separately
You have it - Our pick Illustration
Skunk odor remover shampoo for dogs
For a second round, a puppy, or when you have no peroxide
- Illustration
Skunk odor eliminator spray for fabrics and surfaces
For the collar, the car seat and furniture the dog touched
Why it happens
Skunk spray is oil, and it clings
The spray contains sulfur compounds called thiols in an oily liquid. It soaks into fur and skin and does not rinse out with plain water.
Tomato juice masks, it does not neutralize
It leaves a dog smelling of skunk and tomato, and your nose gets used to both. The odor compounds are still in the coat.
Water can wake it up again
Once the dog gets wet, such as in the rain or a later bath, a faint skunk smell can return. Another round fixes it.
The dog spreads it
A dog that shakes or rubs on furniture carries the smell onto beds, rugs and car seats, so the home smells long after the coat is clean.
Try this first (free)
Do these in order, starting with the simplest.
-
Check the dog before you clean
Look at the eyes. If they are red, squinting or watering, rinse them with cool plain water and call your vet. Rinse the mouth with water if the dog got sprayed there. Call a vet if the dog was bitten or the skunk was acting strange.
-
Keep the dog outdoors and gear up
Tool used: Rubber glovesDo not let the dog into the house. Put on old clothes and gloves, and set up outside if you can.
-
Mix a fresh batch
Tool used: 3% hydrogen peroxideIn an open bucket, mix 1 quart of fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Use it right away, and never store it in a closed container, since the mix gives off gas.
-
Work it into the dry coat
Tool used: Baking soda and dish soapDo not wet the dog first. Work the mix into the fur away from the eyes and mouth, leave it for 5 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with warm water.
-
Shampoo and dry
Tool used: Skunk odor remover shampoo for dogsWash with a dog shampoo or a skunk odor shampoo, rinse well and dry the dog with the old towels. Repeat the round if a smell is left, and wash the collar too.
IllustrationCheck price on AmazonTool for this step
Skunk odor remover shampoo for dogs · For a second round, a puppy, or when you have no peroxide
When free fixes aren't enough
If a smell is left after two rounds, do not mix stronger batches or leave the mix on longer, since it can irritate skin and lighten the coat. A skunk odor remover shampoo is the next step. Call a vet if the eyes stay red, the dog is vomiting, drooling or lethargic, the skin looks irritated, or the skunk bit the dog or acted oddly. Puppies get cold quickly, so ask your vet before using the mix.
Buy the fix
Still stuck after the free fixes? These are the products we would look at.
| Pick | Product | Fixes | Who it's for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best pick | Skunk odor remover shampoo for dogs | skunk smell left in the coat after a first round | Anyone who would rather skip mixing, owners of puppies or dark-coated dogs, and anyone who finds the smell back after the free fix. | Check price |
| Upgrade pick | Skunk odor eliminator spray for fabrics and surfaces | skunk smell on collars, car seats and furniture | Anyone whose dog rubbed against the couch or rode in the car while smelling of skunk. | Check price |
Skunk odor remover shampoo for dogs
Fixes: skunk smell left in the coat after a first round
Look for: Labeled for dogs and for skunk odor, not a general perfume shampoo; Made to neutralize odor, not just cover it; Gentle on skin, with a puppy-safe label if you need it.
- Who it's for
- Anyone who would rather skip mixing, owners of puppies or dark-coated dogs, and anyone who finds the smell back after the free fix.
- Honest downside
- You have a fresh bottle of peroxide, baking soda and dish soap at home and this is the first round. Use the free mix first.
Skunk odor eliminator spray for fabrics and surfaces
Fixes: skunk smell on collars, car seats and furniture
Look for: A label for pet odor or skunk on fabrics; Safe for upholstery and the surfaces you plan to treat; A formula that neutralizes odor instead of adding perfume.
- Who it's for
- Anyone whose dog rubbed against the couch or rode in the car while smelling of skunk.
- Honest downside
- The smell is only on the dog. Treat the coat first, and wash fabrics normally if they are machine-washable.
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How we picked: How we picked: this page is based on humane society and veterinary guidance on skunk odor, pet shampoo labels and the problems and fixes people report in owner reviews. We do not test products by hand.
The skunk mix at a glance
- 1 quart fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap
- Mix in an open bucket, use at once, keep away from eyes and mouth. It can lighten dark or colored fur.
Clean the collar, leash and car too
The smell clings to anything the dog touched. Wash the collar, leash and bedding, wipe leather and plastic, and open the car windows. A fabric odor eliminator helps on upholstery that cannot go in the machine.
What to skip
Tomato juice and perfume
Tomato juice only masks the smell and stains light coats. Perfume covers it for a day. Neither removes the oily compounds, so the dog still smells when the coat gets wet. Use the neutralizing mix or a skunk odor shampoo.
Frequently asked questions
Does tomato juice get rid of skunk smell?
Puppy smells like skunk. Is the peroxide mix safe?
How long does skunk smell last on a dog?
Can I keep the leftover peroxide mix?
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