By Toni Kelley

Has this ever happened to you? You let your dog outside to do his business, and before you've had your morning coffee, he comes in smelling of Skunk. This smell is by far the worst.

Unfortunately, my dogs have given me plenty of experience in this matter. The smell is not just limited to your dog. The furniture, carpet, and anything else they come in contact with claims the horrifying odor.

Over the years, I have tried several different products and home remedies. This is a list of the methods I have found that give some relief. So far, I have not found anything that rids the smell completely, except time. But, a little relief is better than none at all.

Groomer

This relieves a lot of the smell. The only problem is that you have to transport your dog in your car.

Products to Buy

1. Skunk Off shampoo
2. Skunk Away shampoo

Home Remedies

Recipe #1

1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide

¼ cup baking soda

1 teaspoon dish soap (any brand)

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bucket. Place your dog in the tub.  Soak his fur with the solution. Be careful not to get the mixture in your pet's eyes. Use a sponge to wipe the face, head, and around the eyes. Knead the mixture into the dog's fur, making sure you cover every last bit. Rinse your dog thoroughly.

Recipe #2

2/3 cup of water

1/3 cup of organic apple cider

Mix all of the ingredients together. You can premix this recipe, and store it for future use. Soak the dog's fur, making sure to be careful of the eyes. After working it into the fur, rinse your dog thoroughly.

Home remedies seem to work the best, and they don't have a high price tag. Most of the ingredients can be found in your kitchen cupboard, or your medicine cabinet.

You can also use these recipes on clothing, but be forewarned that bleeding colors may occur.

Next time your dog comes in smelling like skunk, give these methods a try. Your nose will thank you.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the author

Toni Kelley resides in a small town in southern Lower Michigan where she lives with her husband, three children, six dogs and three cats.

As a freelance writer, her work has been featured in Dexter Magazine, STYLE Magazine, Art Nouveau Magazine, and many others. Since 2005, she has authored a bi-weekly column in her local newspaper entitled Pet Corner.

In addition to her writing, she is also a dedicated editor for When Magazine, Eternal Press Publishing and Creative Media Alliance. Her passion for animals is the key element that keeps her active in local animal awareness.