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It seems that there are as many skunk odor remedies available as there are skunks. When skunks spray, they emit an oily substance containing thiols. Thiols contain a sulfuric aroma that can make the eyes sting and the stomach turn. So how do you get Fido and yourself back to normal?

Tomato juice is a time-honored remedy. As a skunk-odor remover, however, it is a sham. Tomato juice merely masks the odor. And if you don't use enough of it, it just makes a more unpalatable smell. To eliminate the odor, you need to neutralize it.

The most popular remedies contain hydrogen peroxide, to break down the chemical, baking soda to neutralize the odor, and a dash of soap to dissolve the oil. A common recipe is:

1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tsp. liquid soap or dishwashing detergent

Don't have baking soda in the house? Substitute a bottle of cider vinegar. And lather in more soap. After rinsing, add more diluted vinegar and leave it in.

Since hydrogen peroxide is a bleach, the dog's fur can lighten. Also, care must be taken to keep the mixture out of the dog's eyes. He'll be miserable enough without having to worry about stinging eyes. If using it on your clothing, remember that your clothes can also end up a few shades lighter.

The problem with the hydrogen peroxide remedy is that it must be mixed right before use. For convenience, pet supply stores offer several prepared solutions. If you have a dog, and live in an area where skunks are found, do yourself a favor and pre-purchase an emergency bottle. For a cheaper alternative, some people swear by commercial feminine douche. Really.

Once the skunk smell gets into the house, the odor is more difficult to get rid of. The best solution for this is to keep you and the dog out of the house until you have been de-skunked. And wait until the dog is dry from his bath before letting him roam through the living area and transfer any remaining odors to the carpet. The first time one of my dogs encountered a skunk, I carried her through the front hallway to the basement laundry tub. The coats in the closet on my path to the basement reeked for days. I used 2 fresh bags of volcanic odor eliminators which helped by absorbing some of the odor. The rest of the treatment was simply floor fans and open windows.

Of course the best way to eliminate the odor is to prevent it. Do not let your dogs roam alone at night, especially during skunk mating seasons. Do not leave food out for stray animals. If you do encounter a skunk, slowly back away. The skunk will probably do the same. But if the worst does happen, minimize the damage by bathing the dog outside, if possible, keeping others away from the dog, and shedding as much of your clothing outside as is legally and morally acceptable. If the cleanup must be done indoors, close the doors in that room and open the windows. And make sure your remedy, whichever one you choose, is on a nearby shelf.

Learn more about this author, Liz McGuire.
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