If your pet has ever challenged a skunk, you will be grateful for a real, doctor-recommended way to get rid of that horrible odor.  Oh, and if you have handled the pet, ahemm, you may want to use this on yourself!

There has been a lot of research on the skunk’s defensive secretion responsible for the odor.  No doubt perfume companies would like to unlock the secrete of what chemical makes it last so long.  The stuff is technically named trans-2-butene-1-thiol.  In order to get rid of the smell, the compound has to be neutralized and the old tomato juice routine just doesn’t work.

Bathe your pet with the following formula.  Mix a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap, ¼ cup of ordinary baking soda, and one quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.  Make a lather, let it sit on the animal (or yourself but it may discolor clothing) for a couple minutes, and then rinse, rinse, rinse.

Do not use vinegar.  That is acidic and this mixture is slightly alkaline.  That is why it neutralizes the offending chemicals in the secretion.  Towel or blower-dry and groom as usual.