3:46 AM

The cold front has just passed and the wind is howling outside. Earlier, the dog woke me to go out and 1) pee, 2) bark at the wind. I quickly found out that a skunk had also got up to 1) pee, 2) spray the dog.

Fortunately, the other dog went to the opposite side of the yard to handle her business.

Poor pupper. This just isn't his week. He wanted to immediately come back inside. I pitched him back outside until I could mix up a skunk kit. Dumped 3 qt of H202 in to a bucket. Mixed in a 1/2 cup of baking soda and a squirt of dish soap. I let the dog back inside. He immediately dashed to his safe place --- my bed. I hollered, "Bath" and he came and jumped in the tub. I scrubbed his face and front half with the solution and followed up with a quick regular bath. He seemed to understand why he was getting bathed and appreciate it.

My nose is pretty dead at this point. I think I got most of the skunk oil neutralized. The inside of his left ear smells a bit pungent yet -- but not too terribly bad. The rest just smells of wet dog. But then I probably can't really tell.

I'm glad I took the time to make up some skunk kits and keep them handy. It was probably less than five minutes from getting sprayed to getting dumped in the tub and de-skunked. That kept the skunk oil from seeping into the hair shaft.

I use the gold standard -- Paul Krebaum's formula.
http://home.earthlink.net/~skunkremedy/home/sk00001.htm

I usually get a gallon (4 qt bottles) of regular hydrogen peroxide each year -- the stuff does decompose with time, and put them on the shelf with a big box of baking soda. This is the first time in a couple of years I've needed to use it.

The kit ...

4 qt Hydrogen Peroxide

One pound box of Arm & Hammer baking soda

Sample size bottle of Ivory dish soap

Big Sponge

Plastic Bucket -- it holds all the supplies and I don't have to go searching for one when I need to mix up the solution and use it.

Ewww!! What a rude awakening! Doesn't it always seem like that stuff happens in the middle of the night? BTW, you might throw some white vinegar in your kit, too. It breaks through that oil and helps wash it away. Maybe add a clothespin for your nose?! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I know this will sound pathetic but it works-a couple of disposible douches will take care of a medium size dog. Soap and water bath after.