[Stinky the Skunk] Deskunking Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets

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Has your dog (or cat or other pet) been skunked (sprayed by a skunk)? Here's a skunk remedy I found while searching the web--after my dog got sprayed by a skunk, along with my experiences.

Tomato juice or vinegar is not recommended because it only masks the odor--it doesn't remove the smell.

Usually dogs take a hit in the neck area. Typically they are sprayed while provoking the skunk and turn their head, while being sprayed, in order to avoid it.

[Stinky the Skunk] First Aid

First check to see if your dog was injured by the skunk. If your dog is bleeding or appears to have been bitten, consult a vet immediately. Skunks may carry rabies. If vaccinated, your dog is safe from the rabies virus (but you are not!).

[Stinky the Skunk] What you need

Next go to a drug store and get the following, if needed:

[Stinky the Skunk] To Use

[Stinky the Skunk] How it works

First a quote from Dr. Caceci of Texas A&M University:

Forget what you have heard about tomato juice--it doesn't work. Skunk spray is mainly composed of low molecular weight thiol compounds. ("Thiols" are compounds with the "-SH radical" attached to a carbon atom.) In industrial applications, alkaline hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is used for scrubbing similar compounds from waste gas streams.

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, when combined, become a "chemical engine" for churning out oxygen. That's why it has to be used immediately after mixing. The soap breaks up the oils in the skunk spray, allowing the other ingredients to do their work.

[Stinky the Skunk] References

[skunk cartoon]


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