PET TIP

KAY COX - THE PET COUNSELOR

ANIMAL PSYCHOLOGIST

PET TIP # 101

De-Skunking Your Dog

Autumn is a time when these little black and white charmers get active. And dogs seem to find Skunks interesting. We usually have no problem finding our dog after a close encounter with one of these little black and white stink balls. Skunks introduce themselves to our dog and then our dog high-tails it for home. Here is a remedy for De-Skunking. Your dog will actually smell fine after this remedy. There isn't the mess that there is with tomato juice and this remedy works far better.

Ingredients:

1 Quart 3% hydrogen peroxide (from the drug store)
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon of liquid soap (You can use deodorant pet shampoo if you wish.)

Dissolve baking soda in the hydrogen peroxide, add the soap and pour over your dog (or) place in a spray bottle and spray your dog, being careful to avoid getting it in your pet's eyes. Liberally apply mixture to your pet's coat and rub it in well. Wait 15 minutes! Then rinse completely with plain water. Done and your dog doesn't smell gross anymore.

This mixture will deodorize the porch, the lawn furniture, the kids, even you, if necessary. Remember, Skunks can carry Rabies. If you have skunks around, be sure your dog has rabies vaccinations up to date!

Here are some other readers ideas:(Not as effective methods - but some of them work!)
Tomato Juice (Makes white pets a lovely shade of pinkish orange!)
Tomato Paste (Stickier, won't slide off your pet quite as fast)
Orange Juice (Doesn't work very well at all, but better than nothing)
Scope Mouth Wash (Never tried it)
Skunk Kleen (Never tried it. Found in pet stores)
Vinegar (Never tried it. Your pet will not be pleased and it could lead to urinating in the house!)
Ammonia (NO! DON'T DO THIS ONE!) Never tried it and wouldn't! Not even diluted. This would be cruel AND DANGEROUS.
Vanilla (Never tried it, but if it works you would have a nice smelling pet.)