Got Skunked – De-Skunking Review

Skunks are on the move! With hibernation ending and breeding season in full swing, these black-and-white critters are more active than ever. That means the chances of your dog getting skunked are higher, and if it happens, you’ll want to be prepared. Before you reach for the old tomato juice remedy, check out these effective de-skunking products designed to eliminate the odor fast.

Debunking the Tomato Juice Method

We’ve all heard it before—if your dog gets skunked, just bathe them in tomato juice! But here’s the truth: while it might make your pup smell like a skunk-covered Bloody Mary, it won’t actually eliminate the odor.

In fact, the myth was so widespread that it even got its own segment on MythBusters, where they confirmed what many desperate pet owners had already learned the hard way—tomato juice doesn’t neutralize skunk spray; it just masks the smell temporarily.

The real culprit behind skunk odor is thiols, sulfur-based compounds that cling stubbornly to fur, fabric, and even skin. The only way to truly get rid of the smell is by using products designed to break down these molecules at a chemical level—like the ones we recommend below.

Skunk-Off 8-Ounce Shampoo

✔ Vet-Recommended: Effectively removes all traces of skunk spray
✔ Gentle on Skin: Tough on odor, but safe for sensitive skin
✔ No Enzymes, No Harsh Chemicals: Specially formulated for pet safety
✔ Available in Two Sizes: Also offered in a 32-ounce spray shampoo

Skunk-Off Shampoo by Thornell is a customer and staff favorite, providing powerful odor removal while being gentle on pets.

Skunk-Off 8-Ounce Soaker Bottle

✔ Spot Treatment: Apply directly to affected areas
✔ Multi-Surface Use: Works on carpets, upholstery, clothing, and bedding
✔ Laundry-Safe: Use 2-4 ounces per load to remove skunk odor from fabrics
✔ Available in Two Sizes: Also offered in a 32-ounce spray bottle, great for spraying large areas

Unlike the shampoo, the Skunk-Off Soaker Bottle is designed for both pets and household use, making it a versatile solution for skunk encounters.

OdorKlenz Skunk Odor Eliminator

✔No Perfumes or Fragrances: Neutralizes odors instead of masking them
✔Safe & Effective: Free from harmful chemicals
✔Easy to Use: Pour onto coat, massage thoroughly, and rinse

OdorKlenz Skunk Odor Eliminator works at the molecular level to destroy skunk spray odors, making it a go-to choice for pet owners.

OdorKlenz Pet Deodorizing Mitt

✔No-Wash Solution: Perfect for on-the-go odor removal
✔Multi-Purpose: Works on skunk spray, pond funk, feces, and dead animal smells
✔Safe for Pets & Furniture: Can be used on fabrics and furniture as well

If your dog gets skunked out in the field, the OdorKlenz Pet Deodorizing Mitt is a must-have for quick, water-free odor removal before getting them home.

OdorKlenz Pet Shampoo

✔All-Purpose Odor Removal: Works on skunk spray, wet dog smell, and other strong odors
✔Natural Mineral Formula: Safe for dogs and the environment
✔Fragrance-Free: No lingering perfume scents mixed with bad odors

Unlike regular shampoos that try to mask odors, OdorKlenz Pet Shampoo removes smells at the source, leaving your dog truly fresh.

Kennel Odor Eliminator

✔ Deep-Cleaning Formula: Bonds with odor molecules for long-lasting removal
✔ Multi-Surface Use: Works on kennels, dog beds, grass, gravel, and more
✔ Non-Toxic & Biodegradable: Safe for pets and the environment
✔ Available in Two Versions: Now offered in both the original formula and a fresh scent version

If your dog brought the skunk smell indoors, Kennel Odor Eliminator will help freshen up their space by tackling odors embedded in bedding and kennels.

Conclusion

Getting skunked is never fun, but with the right products on hand, you can tackle the stink quickly and get your pup smelling fresh again. Instead of relying on outdated remedies, these proven solutions neutralize skunk spray at the source—no tomato juice required!

Have you dealt with a skunked dog before? Share your go-to de-skunking tips in the comments!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 1-800-662-5202, use our live chat, or leave a comment below.

Thank you for reading!

• Michael Cassatt, LCS Director of Marketing

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published onFebruary 12, 2022. Updates and improvements have been made, including refreshing the product selection and expanding the content for better clarity and usefulness.