Tackling aromatic encounters - Preparation
Blog post written by: Kirsten Bartel
Even with the best intentions of preventing such an encounter, unexpected things can unfortunately happen — especially when you own a curious pooch — and your greatest fears may be realized:
You or your dog, or worse, both of you met a skunk!
Don’t panic. Just remember to be prepared and to know of a simple home remedy for that lovely aroma these creatures leave behind on our dogs and ourselves.
To recover, you will need the following:
- One skunked dog
- Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution: You may want to have two bottles of Canadian-made Résérvé Hydrogen peroxide 10 Volume 450ml, manufactured by Groupe Pharmessor in Boucherville, Quebec, in the house as a topical antiseptic for minor wounds and skunk emergencies
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): Try Canadian made Eco-Pioneer Pure Baking Soda by Verve Naturals
- Dishwashing Liquid: Buy Canadian First member Attitude has amazing environmentally-friendly, biodegradable and non toxic dishwashing liquids, available in Grapefruit & Bergamot or Ylang Ylang & Lime. Any citric dishwashing will do, just make sure there is no tea tree oil in the product you choose as tea tree oil can be toxic to pets.
Other useful items:
- Rubber gloves & rubber boots: Try these Waterproof Rainboots available from Buy Canadian First member Rallye Footwear Inc.
- Vinegar: President's Choice The Natural Vinegar (white vinegar) can be used if diluted with water, or Apple Cider Vinegar. You can learn more about the Vinegar Market in Canada by reading articles on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada web site.
- Bio-degradable Plastic bags
- Paper towels: Buy Canadian First member, Cascades Inc. makes some wonderful products. Check out their Cascades Enviro 100% Recycled Paper Towels, which are made without new tree pulp
- Old Towels
- Toothpaste: Any brand will do, but you may want to check out Buy Canadian First member Green Beaver's natural toothpastes, such as the Green Beaver Green Apple Toothpaste
- Sponges: Try Buy Canadian First member Polyad Industries Ltd. various collections of sponges, such as the The O’Maré® Seahorse™ Sponge Collection - sponges which will pamper the skin and foam up with minimal soap, Equest® Sponge Collection - great for bathing horses or skunked dogs, or the SOAKER® Sponge Collection, all by SOAKER® Seahorse™
- Dog Shampoo: an oatmeal and aloe shampoo would be good to soothe the skin and help the coat
- Lavender, hops and herbs
The procedure
Step one - Preparation
First do not let the dog, or anyone who was sprayed, in the house or car. Then mix the following concoction together:
1 litre Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution
50 ml (1/4 cup) sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
5 ml (1 tsp) dishwashing liquid
But wait! What about the tomato juice, you ask? The best thing to do with tomato juice when it comes to skunks, is to pour it in a glass and drink it, or even better, get some Canadian invented Clamato Juice and Canadian vodka, like Polar Ice and mix yourself a Bloody Caesar, and take a sip. It may help in bracing yourself for the next step ;)
It is best to wear old clothes, rubber boots and especially rubber gloves so that you do not get the smell on your hands. If you should already have some from catching your dog, you can either put some toothpaste on your hands and rinse or wash them in the solution you just mixed together, then dry them with some eco-friendly paper towels, roll up your sleeves and put on your gloves.
Ready? Okay, now remember this important concoction and stay tuned, as in the next segment I will give tips on how to survive the actual bath!
Image sources: Flickr Creative Commons, Oakley Originals, Attitude, labonneattitude.com, BuyCanadianFirst.ca, Flickr Creative Commons, Kristen Taylor
