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Ask the Veterinarian/Getting Rid of Skunk Smell

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Expert: - 10/8/2011


Question
I read of using baking soda and vinegar on dogs to get rid of the skunk smell. So, is it safe to use those on dogs?

Answer
If you want to make a volcano for science fair you use baking soda and vinegar. BOOM!
For dogs, however, use this formula:

1/4 cup dish soap (dawn works the best)
1/4 cup baking soda
1 quart of hydrogen peroxide.

Wash the dog first with dog shampoo and rinse well. Make sure you put some Vaseline or eye ointment into the dogs eyes.

After rinsing the dog, and wearing gloves, mix together these three ingredients and pour over the dog slowly, concentrating on the areas where it smells the worst.

Leave on the dog for 5 minutes. Do NOT GET INTO THE DOGS EYES or MOUTH. Rinse really well and then rinse again.

Towel dry the dog.

My dogs have only been skunked once and I used this at 11 pm. It was an ordeal with two dogs but when it was all done I could put my nose into their fur and not smell any skunk at all.

This formula was invented by a Dow chemical scientist who decided to give it away free to the world.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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