Any pet owner who has had a pet suffer through a skunk spray knows the difficulty of removing the smell from his dog or cat. Some businesses even offer services to remove skunk odor from pets. But if you don̵7;t have a store-bought product handy, or can̵7;t take your pet to a clinic or grooming service, you can sometimes find an effective solution in your home.
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Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture
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Many sources call for the same recipe for skunk odor removal: 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda and one tsp. of liquid soap or detergent. You may need to mix several batches for a larger dog. First, rinse your pet with water to wet its fur. Staying careful not to get any of the mixture in your pet̵7;s eyes, wash your pet thoroughly and wait a few minutes before rinsing. You may need to repeat the process several times. According to Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Education.com, this mixture may temporarily alter the color of your pet̵7;s fur. Eventually, your pet should shed the discolored fur.
Shampoo and a Mildly Acidic Solution
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has suggested this: First, bathe a pet that has been sprayed by a skunk with a ̶0;no tears̶1; shampoo and rinse with clear water. If you use a mildly acidic solution like tomato juice or diluted vinegar, make sure you follow it with another round of shampoo and water to rinse. You may need to repeat the process more than once.
Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
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Multiple government offices and veterinary associations recommend this solution for reducing skunk odors on your pet: household vinegar mixed with water or diluted apple cider vinegar. Wash your pet's coat thoroughly with this solution and then rinse with clear water. Take care not to get the acidic solution in your pet's eyes because as it can cause irritation. Though these common household items may not eliminate the smell, they may help reduce it.
Additional Items to Keep in Mind
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No matter which solution you choose, realize that the smell might require persistent washings. Stay calm and patient to avoid making things worse for your pet. Though many people still recommend quick fixes like tomato juice or lemon juice, these products typically do not remove skunk odors effectively. In a recent issue of "Plant Palette" from the University of Illinois Extension, horticulture educator Jennifer Schultz Nelson explained that humans simply suffer from ̶0;olfactory fatigue̶1; and stop smelling the skunk spray after a period of time. However, pet owners continue to smell the easily detected scent of tomato juice, leading us to believe that this commonly recommended home remedy for skunk spray works.
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