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Skunk sprayed my dog. Is rabies a risk? How do I remove the smell?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 75 lbs

My dog was sprayed in the face buy a skunk and was also either bitten or scratched under her eye I went to the vet immediately but they sent me away because I was not able to pay Upfront for the exam. She seems to be acting fine but I'm worried that she will get rabies, and I absolutely cannot get the smell off her face

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 22nd, 2018

If your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccine, it should not contract rabies.
As for the smell, there are various recipes available on the internet. Here is one:
www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/de-skunking_dog.html
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