I haven't been on in a while but I need help. Does anyone know how to lessen skunk smell. I just had one in my run that my roo cornered. I got it out then it went to the dog, now I don't have to worry about the skunk but how do I lessen the smell? IT IS MAKING ME SICK!!!! ANY AND ALL HELP IS WELCOMED!!!!!! It got me and the dog before SSS.
Odor Abatement
The odor-bearing fluid, or musk, is amber in color,
oily and slightly volatile (which chemically speaking,
means it stays around a long time). The musk can
temporarily blind and stun those who are sprayed in
the face. Other symptoms are watery eyes, nasal
irritation and nausea.
Asthmatics may also experience
breathing problems.
If nothing is done, the odor can last two to four
months. Bathing in tomato juice has been the stan
dard remedy for skunk odor. However
, chemically
tomato juice does nothing to neutralize the odor. After
a while, the nose blocks out the skunk odor due to
“olfactory fatigue,” which tricks the nose into
smelling the tomato juice instead of the skunk odor.
Following are several products developed to reduce
skunk odor on people, pets, in homes and on clothing
that work either chemically or mask the odor.
Homemade Solution
If a person or pet is sprayed, take action quickly
to remove the odor. If spray enters the eyes causing
irritation or temporary blindness, first flush the eyes
with cold water. Then apply the following homemade
remedy, which was first reported by chemist Paul
Krebaum of Lisle, Illinois, for use on pets.
•
One quart of fresh, 3 percent hydrogen
peroxide solution (use fresh, old hydrogen
peroxide turns into water)
•
¼ cup of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
•
1 or 2 teaspoons of liquid dishwashing soap
that is known for its degreasing qualities, or
liquid laundry soap
The first two ingredients form an alkaline
peroxide that chemically changes the musk into
sulfonic acid, an odorless chemical. The soap breaks
down the oily skunk essence and makes it more
susceptible to the chemicals. The mixture must be
used after mixing and cannot be stored. Although the
chemicals in this formula are harmless, be cautious
and keep away from the eyes, nose and mouth of
people and pets. Do not use on clothing – it may
discolor the fabric.
Always mix this solution in a large, open container
.
Do not put in a closed container or store because it
may explode. The mixture will bubble because of the
chemical interaction. Use the entire mixture while
it is still bubbling. Wear rubber gloves, apply the
solution, work it into a lather and leave it on for
5 minutes or longer until the bubbling ceases. Make
sure to remove jewelry
, as skin may be sensitive to
the chemical reaction with metal. When washing a
dog, wash the body first and then the head to keep
the dog from shaking off the mixture. If odor still
remains, repeat two or three times. Then treat with
normal shampoo. Do not use heat, such as a hair
dryer
, as this can cause the remaining skunk oil to
set in on hair
, fur or skin. People can take a shower
between treatments to further remove the odor.
Household Treatments
If the odor is inside or under the crawlspace of
your home, the area will need to be thoroughly aired.
Using fans will help. Wash or apply deodorants to the
source of the odor. Use air fresheners to mask resid
ual odor in the air. If the odor is indoors, change the
air filter for the furnace/air conditioner as odors may
be trapped in the filter and recirculated. Multiple
deodorant treatments may be needed whenever odors
penetrate porous surfaces such as wallboard, concrete
or unpainted wood. Sometimes removing co
ntaminated
materials is the only solution.
Many odor control products are available in
stores selling home repair and/or pet products,
including Skunk-Off
, Odor-Mute
, Nature’s Miracle
Skunk Odor Remover
and Earth Friendly
Products
. These products can be purchased on
the Internet as well. Note that these products are
recommended for use only on inanimate or
non-living objects.
Neutroleum Alpha
masks skunk odor with a
“minty” smell. It can be used directly on surfaces or
as an air deodorizer by suspending napkins dipped in
Neutroleum Alpha
. This product has toxic and irri
tating pr
operties, so use caution. Use in well-ventilated
areas, and wear chemically resistant gloves when
mixing the solution in warm water. Read and follow
label directions. Use only freshly made solution, and
dispose of the leftover product. Store in a cool, dark
environment to prevent fire hazards. Neutroleum
Alpha
can be ordered from online stores or at the
Pocatello Supply Depot (U.S. Department of Agri
culture – Wildlife Services) in Idaho (208-236-6920).
Freshwave
(also called Ecosorb
) captures
odorous compounds and chemically neutralizes them.
It is derived from plant oils and has a slight odor
described as “tea tree.” It can be sprayed on surfaces
or poured in a wide-mouth jar and allowed to perme
ate the air. Using a fan will help the process. Fresh-
wave
is also available as a gel or a candle and can