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10 Best Skunk Shampoos for Dogs — 2024 Reviews and Top Picks

Luxifa Le

By Luxifa Le

Vet approved

Dr. Lorna Whittemore Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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a welsh corgi pembroke dog taking a bath with shampoo

Unfortunately, our dogs can sometimes get too friendly with animals that aren’t interested in friendship, and when that happens, we must wash away the evidence.

Skunk spray stinks. However, unlike rotten eggs, skunk spray comprises thioacetate, a compound that gives the scent an intense staying power.1 This is why it can be so hard to get rid of the skunk smell once you or your pet has been sprayed.

Luckily, enzymatic cleaners can break down the thioacetates and help neutralize the smell of skunk for good. Here are our favorite skunk shampoos for dogs. Give them a try if your dog has been sprayed with a skunk stink!

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampo Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampo
  • Budget-friendly
  • Contains no sulfates, phthalates, DEA, dyes, gluten, and soaps
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Second place
    Skout's Honor Skunk Odor Eliminator Skout's Honor Skunk Odor Eliminator
  • Eco-friendly and biodegradable
  • Safe for use on dogs, cats, and surfaces
  • Good for multi-pet households
  • Third place
    Hyponic De-Skunk Pet Shampoo Hyponic De-Skunk Pet Shampoo
  • All-natural
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Doesn't contain any sulfates, silicone, mineral oil, or parabens
  • Professional Pet Products Pet Shampoo Professional Pet Products Pet Shampoo
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Gentle formula can be used as many times as necessary to remove smells
  • Suitable for puppies and kittens as well as adult animals
  • Thornell Skunk-Off Shampoo Thornell Skunk-Off Shampoo
  • Non-toxic and biodegradable
  • Destroys nasty smells instead of masking them
  • Works on first use
  • The 10 Best Skunk Shampoos for Dogs

    1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo — Best Overall

    Hepper Colloidal Shampoo St Bernard Outside 1

    Bottle Size: 16 oz
    All-Natural?: Yes
    Scented?: Yes

    If you are in need of a dog shampoo that’s tough enough to battle that awful, lingering skunk smell and is also safe for everyday use, we recommend Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo from Hepper. It is an all-in-one product which is why it is our top pick for best skunk shampoo for dogs. The perk of requiring only a single product for all fur types, conditions, and messes makes this shampoo a home run in our eyes.

    This shampoo is formulated with pet-safe, all-natural ingredients that are effective in lifting set-in odors without stripping your dog’s sensitive skin and coat.

    This shampoo is free of sulfates, phthalates, DEA, dyes, gluten, and soaps. It has an aloe vera and cucumber scent that is natural, pleasant, and long-lasting. The colloidal oatmeal will leave the skin hydrated and well-nourished while the aloe vera will soothe any irritation. This is an ideal product if your dog has extra sensitive skin, as this formula is pH-balanced and is even safe to use on cats.

    Each bottle contains 16 fluid ounces and is manufactured right here in the United States. Some pet parents do prefer scent-free products so it’s important to note that there is an added fragrance in this shampoo. Because of the sulfur-containing thiols in a skunk’s spray, you may need to do a second wash. Otherwise, this product is gentle but can get the job done which is why we think this is the best skunk shampoo for dogs.

    You might have guessed, this is our own product – but we love it so much we just have to share it, and hope you get to own one too!

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly
    • Long-lasting natural scent
    • Contains no sulfates, phthalates, DEA, dyes, gluten, and soaps
    • Great for sensitive skin
    • Can be used on dogs and cats
    Cons
    • May require more than one wash

    2. Skout’s Honor Skunk Odor Eliminator

    Skout's Honor Professional Strength Skunk Odor Eliminator

    Bottle Size: 32 oz
    All-Natural?: Yes
    Scented?: No

    Skout’s Honor Professional Strength Skunk Odor Eliminator is another great choice since it is specifically designed to lift pesky skunk odors. This skunk shampoo is all-natural and comes with benefits to the environment, as this formula is 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly.

    Skout’s Honor’s Professional Strength Skunk Odor Eliminator can pull double duty in your multi-pet household. This shampoo is safe for dogs, cats, and can even be used on surfaces to help deskunk your house if your dog brought the smell inside with them.

    Pros
    • Eco-friendly and biodegradable
    • Safe for use on dogs, cats, and surfaces
    • Good for multi-pet households
    Cons
    • It cannot be used in a washing machine
    • Must use it first before rinsing the pet or surface

    3. Hyponic De-Skunk Pet Shampoo

    Hyponic De-Skunk Pet Shampoo 500ml

    Bottle Size: 16.9 oz
    All-Natural?: Yes
    Scented?: No

    Hyponic’s De-Skunk Pet Shampoo is an excellent option for any pet parents whose dogs have gotten sprayed by a skunk. This is an all-natural and hypoallergenic shampoo, so pet parents won’t have to worry about their pup reacting on top of their skunky smell!

    This shampoo is the best of the best, and that’s why it secured our position for third on our list of skunk shampoos for dogs. In addition, since this shampoo is all-natural, it doesn’t contain any sulfates, silicone, mineral oil, or parabens, common components of dog shampoos that some consider potentially dangerous.

    It is worth noting that this is sold in a relatively small quantity, as many premium products are. So, it’s hard to say whether this will be worth it for all budgets. In addition, larger dogs may need to be bathed with the shampoo multiple times, so a household with multiple large dogs might want to consider a more budget-friendly option.

    Pros
    • All-natural
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Doesn’t contain any sulfates, silicone, mineral oil, or parabens
    Cons
    • The bottle is kind of small

    4. Professional Pet Products Skunk Odor Shampoo

    Professional Pet Products Skunk Odor Pet Shampoo

    Bottle Size: 16 oz
    All-Natural?: No
    Scented?: No

    If your curious puppy gets sprayed by a skunk, you want to use a shampoo that is safe for their skin and fur. We recommend Professional Pet Products Skunk Odor Shampoo to clean your young puppy. This formula is so gentle that you can use it as often as required to remove any lingering smells clinging to your dog’s fur. This is a gentle, hypoallergenic formula that can also be used on adult animals and children if necessary.

    This shampoo is formulated to eliminate skunk smells but can be used on any harsh odors from cat urine to bog water, so if your dog has been playing in the marsh lately, this could pull double duty to get rid of that smell too! Unfortunately, it’s not an all-natural formula.

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Gentle formula can be used as many times as necessary to remove smells
    • Suitable for puppies and kittens as well as adult animals
    Cons
    • Not all-natural

    5. Thornell Skunk-Off Shampoo

    Thornell Skunk-Off Shampoo

    Bottle Size: 8 oz
    All-Natural?: No
    Scented?: No

    Thornell’s Skunk-Off Shampoo is another great option for pet parents looking for a biodegradable shampoo formula that will still be tough on their dog’s skunk stink problem! This formula is designed to destroy the nasty smells of a skunk instead of masking them like some other skunk shampoos.

    This non-toxic formula is specifically made without any harsh enzymes that might irritate your dog’s skin. It’s powerful enough to get rid of the skunk smell in one go, so you don’t have to reapply the shampoo.

    Unfortunately, Thornell’s Skunk-Off Shampoo isn’t all-natural, so any pet parents who prefer all-natural products will have to pass on this one. But for those who are looking for de-skunking on a budget, you can’t get better than our choice for the best skunk shampoo for dogs for the money.

    Pros
    • Non-toxic and biodegradable
    • Destroys nasty smells instead of masking them
    • Works on first use
    Cons
    • Not all-natural

    6. Natural Chemistry Skunks Etc. Odor Remover

    Natural Chemistry Skunks Etc. Odor Remover

    Bottle Size: 16.9 oz
    All-Natural?: Yes
    Scented?: No

    Natural Chemistry’s Skunks Etc. Odor Remover is an excellent option for any pet parents who happen to live on a farm, as this solution can be used for dogs, cats, horses, homes, and even cars. This formula is even rated to deal with smells from cat urine. So, it can be very handy if you have a household with multiple pets.

    This is made with natural ingredients, which is a positive selling point if your dog has sensitive skin. It’s also specifically formulated to target the thioacetates in skunk spray to help diffuse the smell for good!

    Eco-conscious pet parents can also rejoice since this formula is fully biodegradable and safe for the environment!

    Pros
    • Usable for dogs, cats, horses, home, and car
    • It can also be used to remove the smell of cat urine
    • Made with natural ingredients
    Cons
    • The bottle is relatively small

    7. Tough Stuff SKUNKED! Deodorizing Dog Shampoo

    Tough Stuff Skunked Deodorizing Dog Shampoo

    Bottle Size: 16 oz
    All-Natural?: No
    Scented?: Possibly

    Tough Stuff’s SKUNKED! Deodorizing Dog Shampoo is an excellent option for pet parents who like their products to be made in the USA. This gentle formula will clean and deodorize your dog without irritating its skin or damaging its coat.

    Since this shampoo is sourced and processed in the USA, you don’t have to worry about the efficacy and sourcing of your products with this shampoo. A steal for any pet parents who prefer to use USA-made products!

    One thing to note is that this shampoo may be scented. They mention that your dog will be left smelling fresh after a wash with this shampoo, which may indicate the presence of scent agents. These may irritate sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Made in the USA
    • Gentle on your dog but removes tough odors
    Cons
    • Possibly scented and may irritate sensitive skin

    8. Bissell BarkBath Odor & Skunk No Rinse Dog Shampoo

    Bissell BarkBath Odor & Skunk

    Bottle Size: 16 oz
    All-Natural?: No
    Scented?: No

    Bissell makes some of the most powerful cleaning products on the market, and their pet products never disappoint! This 16-ounce no-rinse shampoo formula is specially designed to tackle harsh smells like skunk odor. Since it’s a rinse-free formula, your dog won’t have to be traditionally bathed to get the skunk smell off them.

    This is a pH-balanced formula which means it’s perfect for taking care of your dog’s coat and leaving it shiny and healthy. It’s also made in the USA for any pet parents who want to stick to products made close to home.

    Unfortunately, this shampoo isn’t listed as being all-natural, meaning if you’re interested in an all-natural product, this isn’t the one for you.

    Pros
    • Non-scented
    • pH Balanced
    • Rinse-free formula
    Cons
    • Not all-natural

    9. Petpost Skunk Odor Eliminator Dog Shampoo

    Petpost Skunk Odor Eliminator Dog Shampoo

    Bottle Size: 16 oz
    All-Natural?: No
    Scented?: Aloe and safflower oil

    Petpost’s Skunk Odor Eliminator Dog Shampoo is a good option for any pet parents who want their dog to have a fresh smell after a skunk encounter. This shampoo is made with aloe vera and safflower oil that will leave your dog smelling like a spring field when the bath is over!

    While the scents are sourced from natural ingredients, the shampoo itself isn’t all-natural and may contain chemicals that could irritate your dog’s skin. Additionally, the fragrances themselves may irritate sensitive skin. So, be aware if your dog tends to break out from skin irritation.

    It’s also worth noting that this product may take multiple washes to get the skunk smell off completely. So, be prepared to take a day off to bathe your dog! Still, this is an excellent option for any pet parents who want to have their fresh-smelling dog back.

    Pros
    • Made in the USA
    • Scented with aloe and safflower oil for a fresh smell
    Cons
    • May need to be applied several times for smell to come off
    • Scents may irritate sensitive skin

    10. Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover

    Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor Remover

    Bottle Size: 32 oz
    All-Natural?: Yes
    Scented?: No

    Nature’s Miracle is one of the most trusted household brands in the pet industry. They create many all-natural cleaning solutions to help your household feel like a home again without putting your pets in danger. This is a bio-enzymatic cleaner, so it uses enzymes to break down skunk spray’s chemical components to remove the smell permanently.

    While Nature’s Miracle is one of the most trusted and well-loved brands in pet care, it’s worth noting that this formula is not safe for puppies. So, if you have a young dog, you’ll want to opt for a safe solution for puppies.

    However, it’s hard to beat Nature’s Miracle for efficient all-natural cleaners. They’re trusted by many for a reason!

    Pros
    • All-Natural
    • Utilizes bio-enzymes to break down skunk odor
    Cons
    • Not safe for puppies

    Divider 3

    Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Best Skunk Shampoo for Dogs

    Skunks have a particularly pungent odor, even before spraying from their anal glands. This odor helps them ward off predators that might want to make them into a meal. Unfortunately for those of us who are just trying to coexist with the skunks peacefully, it’s still a pretty rancid smell.

    Once a skunk has sprayed your dog, the smell can hang around your dog and everything your dog touches for months. It’s a pretty effective deterrent that keeps other animals away from skunks. But it can be pretty frustrating when your dog has been punished for trying to be friendly. Especially now that it feels like you’re the one being punished for your dog’s exuberance.

    There are many ways people can try to get rid of the skunk smell. The smell has been around longer than the internet. So, there are plenty of old wives’ tales about getting rid of the smell. Let’s look at some of the most common methods people employ to get rid of skunk smell.

    a black long haired dog having a bath
    Image By: AmandaCullingford, Pixabay

    Does Tomato Juice Work on Skunk Smell?

    Unfortunately, tomato juice can be classified as an “old wives’ tale.” This compound does not affect the skunk smell at all. However, it’s no scientific secret about where the myth comes from.

    The way tomato juice “removes” the skunk smell is by speeding up the process of olfactory fatigue. Olfactory fatigue is when the scent receptors in the nose become accustomed to a particular smell, and thus the scent becomes weaker. In the cases of pleasant smells like the honeysuckle perfume mentioned in that study, olfactory fatigue causes the scent to fade, become weaker, and be less satisfying to sniff.

    In the case of unpleasant smells, like a skunk, olfactory fatigue makes the smell less pungent and disgusting. Over time, we may stop noticing the smell altogether. This defense mechanism prevents us from being disabled by terrible smells for too long.

    Tomato juice has a strong smell. While it may not be as unpleasant as skunk spray, its effect on olfactory fatigue is noticeable, letting us go without smelling. However, this doesn’t stop you from smelling bad to other people because it doesn’t remove or mask the smell.

    a little dog in the bathroom with shampoo foam on his head
    Image By: Aleksandr Finch, Shutterstock

    Do Professional Skunk Shampoos Work?

    To some end, professional skunk shampoos do work. However, it depends significantly on what the formula is made of and its chemical purpose. Bio-enzymatic shampoos utilize chemical enzymes that break down the skunk smell molecularly and remove the odors that way. Non-enzymatic cleaners do the same thing without the enzymes, leading to mixed efficacy amongst non-enzymatic shampoos.

    Additionally, some non-enzymatic shampoos aim to cover the smell with a more pleasant one. However, this approach can lead to mixed efficacy and potentially even worse smells as the two scents mix.

    Does Dawn Dish Soap Work on Skunk Smell?

    Not on its own. Dawn Dish Soap is great for safely cleaning grime and muck out of your dog’s coat, but it isn’t made for use on hair. Instead, it’s made to remove oil and grease from surfaces. That’s why it’s so helpful for cleaning up animals caught in oil spills.

    Dawn Dish Soap may remove the oils used to transfer the skunk smell from the skunk to the dog, leading to a reduced smell profile. However, this doesn’t remove the source of the skunk smell and won’t de-skunk your dog.

    Are There Home Remedies for Skunk Smell?

    Luckily, there are some highly effective remedies for skunk spraying that you can make with ingredients you keep around your home. For this remedy, you’ll need baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and Dawn dish soap (the blue kind they use on animals caught in an oil spill!)

    • 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
    • ¼ cup of baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap

    Mix these together and use them as a shampoo for your dog. This will help get rid of the skunk smell permanently without going out and buying your dog a whole new shampoo! However, it’s worth noting that the hydrogen peroxide in the solution makes it much harsher than a regular shampoo. Therefore, this solution is not safe to use more than once and not safe to use regularly.

    If your dog gets sprayed by skunks often, you’re better off investing in a good skunk shampoo that’s gentle enough to be used regularly.

    If your dog has brought the skunk smell inside with them, the smell may linger in the air even after leaving the room. In this case, you might want to boil some apple cider vinegar. Vinegar will bind to the smell agents in the air and remove them. So, your house will smell like vinegar for some time, but it won’t smell like a skunk anymore! Make sure to open the window wide and air the house out.

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    Final Thoughts

    Luckily, de-skunking your dog and home isn’t as hard as it may seem. Pet parents looking for the best overall de-skunking shampoo for dogs should try our favorite skunk shampoo, Skout’s Honor Professional Strength Skunk Shampoo. Budgeting pet parents can try our best skunk shampoo for dogs for the money, Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo.

    Finally, if you are not on a budget, try out our third choice for the best skunk shampoo for dogs, Hyponic’s De-Skunk Pet Shampoo.


    Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock

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