How to Properly Pre-Wash a Skunked Dog (Before Coming to Pawtanicals)

If your dog has had an unfortunate run-in with a skunk, we know you want that smell gone ASAP. While we can work our magic with 1–2 microbubble baths to drastically reduce the odor, there’s one important first step you can take at home to make the process more effective.

Here’s our proven pre-wash recipe for de-skunking:

You’ll need:

• 1 quart (4 cups) of 3% hydrogen peroxide

• ¼ cup of baking soda

• 1–2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap (like Dawn)

How to use:

1. Mix the ingredients in an open container (never store this mixture — it loses effectiveness quickly and can build pressure if sealed).

2. Apply immediately to your dog’s dry coat, focusing on the skunked areas.

3. Gently massage the mixture into the fur, avoiding eyes, nose, and mouth.

4. Let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

5. Repeat once if needed before heading to Pawtanicals.

💡 Why this matters:
This solution helps break down the skunk oil on your dog’s coat so our microbubble baths can work even better. We recommend booking 1–2 microbubble sessions right after the pre-wash to drastically reduce or remove the lingering smell.

📅 Book your microbubble bath now — your nose (and your dog) will thank you!