How To Handle A Skunked Dog In Maine

It started like any normal morning… it was shortly before 4 am when my wife called out my name in that voice. You know the one. The “Elizabeth” voice. That tone that means something has gone very, very wrong.

“THE DOG GOT SKUNKED!”

I ran outside, grabbed MoonDog, and brought him straight into the bathroom. Now, I know what you’re thinking, why would you bring a skunked dog inside? But he had been sprayed in the eyes, and I had to rinse them immediately.

So there we were, 15 minutes of careful flushing, and thankfully, he was okay. Honestly, miracle-level relief.

Then came the part no one warns you about: wet dog + panic + skunk oil = disaster.

He shook.

At this point I was alone because my wife, Nelly was holding back from being sick. It really is that terrible of a chemical, poison, scent.

And because he shook, everything in the bathroom, anything porous immediately absorbed skunk like it had been training for it its whole life.

We of course had to keep him tied to the porch all morning long, but the smell still filled the entire house, even the upstairs.

So, we basically had to accept that everything cloth like item spiritually part skunk and had to go.

But here’s the good news, we got about 99% of the smell out of the house.

How To Get Rid of Skunk Smell in Your House

Step one: the dog bath. The classic hydrogen peroxide + baking soda + Dawn dish soap mix. Twice. The time in between the first and second bath was around 2-3 hours, because naturally hydrogen can disrupt and itch the skin.

Then a full Dawn shampoo rinse. MoonDog came out clean, safe, and shockingly not smelling like a crime scene.

Step two: the house survival mode. Windows open. Constant airflow. And I simmered cinnamon, apples, and oranges like I was trying to convince the house it was actually a holiday candle ad.

Step three: everything gets washed. Walls, floors, surfaces, every possible crevice. Warm water and Dawn dish soap everywhere.

And honestly? Dawn Dish soap is the real MVP. The commercials with the oil-covered ducks are not exaggerating, it works. I am now fully team Dawn forever.

If you ever get skunked in Maine… don’t panic. Just act fast, open windows, and become emotionally committed to dish soap.

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