So, last night my sisters dog Bella, got it in the face from a skunk.
Naturally everyone's go to fix for this situation is the 'ol Tomato Juice remedy , but does it WORK?
I looked it up ...
The origins of the use of tomato juice as a solution for skunk smells are hard to definitively pin down, but today it is widely regarded as somewhat of a homemaker's myth. Still, it can work to a certain extent, but it only masks the odor and fools the olfactory senses rather than neutralizing the skunk smell.
According to William F. Wood (Department of Chemistry, Humboldt State University, Arcata, Calif.), Tomato juice "seems to work because at high doses of skunk spray the human nose quits smelling the odor, and the tomato juice odor is instead detected. (olfactory fatigue). When this happens, the odor of tomato juice can easily be detected.
"A person suffering olfactory fatigue to skunk spray will swear that the skunk odor is gone and was neutralized by the tomato juice. But, another person coming on the scene at this point will readily confirm that the skunk spray has not been neutralized by the tomato juice."
So WHATS THE SOLUTION ?
What has been proven to work, according to a variety of sources, is a home concoction developed by Paul Krebaum and published Chemical & Engineering News back in 1993:
~ 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
~1/4 cup baking soda
~1 teaspoon liquid detergent
Mix in a large, open container and use immediately. According to Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, it can be safely used on people, pets, clothing, and furniture.
**WARNING**
The mix cannot be covered or stored because it can explode a closed container. To get rid of the leftover solution, dilute it heavily with water, and pour down the drain.
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