FAST FACTS: SKUNK ENCOUNTER

Lisa Monical, owner of the Groomery in Medford, says skunk spray is extremely oily, which is why many of the most well-known remedies like tomato juice, vinegar and water and other odor removers don’t work. While nothing removes the smell completely, Monical suggests the following formula:

Mix:

1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide (never use stronger than 3%)

1/4 cup of baking soda

1 teaspoon of Dawn dishwashing soap

Steps:

• Use the mixture on a dry coat, immediately after he’s been sprayed.
• Wearing rubber gloves, rub the mixture into your dog’s coat (avoiding his eyes).
• Wait about 20 minutes before washing the mixture out of your dog’s fur.
• Follow up by using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo, and rinse well.
• Repeat the process two to three more times as needed.

Caution:

Do not allow dogs to lick the mixture as it can cause vomiting. The mixture may be flammable, so don’t smoke while using it, and do not store any that is left over. Also, the hydrogen peroxide may cause some bleaching on black dogs, so the longer it stays on, the more bleaching you may see.