PupkeeperCaution
Skunk spray and dogs: what to do
Caution. Skunk spray irritates the eyes like tear gas, and swallowed spray can cause vomiting or severe anemia.
Skunk spray and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Caution · Watch at home
- What it can do
- Red, watery, painful eyes, squinting or temporary blindness, drooling, nausea or vomiting and weakness or low energy (anemia). All 6
- How fast
- Anemia can develop a few hours to 24 hours after exposure
- What to do now
- Rinse your dog's eyes with cool water if its face was sprayed. All steps
- Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Cornell Riney Canine Health Center, Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What to do now
- Rinse your dog's eyes with cool water if its face was sprayed.
- Wash the oily spray off outdoors, keeping any product out of the eyes.
- Watch for weakness, poor appetite or brown gums for 1 to 3 days.
- Go to a vet right away if spray hit the eyes or mouth, or if a skunk bit your dog.
Don't
- Don't rely on tomato juice; it doesn't remove the smell.
- Don't use homemade solutions near the eyes.
Symptoms to watch for
- Red, watery, painful eyes
- Squinting or temporary blindness
- Drooling
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weakness or low energy (anemia)
- Brown, chocolate-colored gums (anemia)
When signs appear: Anemia can develop a few hours to 24 hours after exposure
Why
Skunk spray is oily and acts like tear gas in the eyes. Swallowed spray can damage red blood cells and cause severe anemia.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Skunk Spray and Your Dog
- Cornell Riney Canine Health Center: When Your Dog Gets Skunked
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Minor Injuries and Accidents
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.