There will be an evening very soon that you’ll be relaxing on your deck or patio, or maybe watching the baseball game on TV, when you start smelling a hint of nature’s best defenses, the odor of skunk. Like many dog owners, that’s the last smell you want wafting by your nose, especially if you’ve recently let out the dog. Panic strikes you when your dog begins to frantically bang on the door to be let in. I know, I’ve been there, and unfortunately, my wife let the dog in the house without thinking of the consequences.

As the summer rolls on, there’s a good chance you’ll be getting a call from one of your insureds who, like my wife, opened the door to let the dog in. Sadly, the first thing the dog does is head for the floor to try and rub off the greasy, gagging, eye burning stench that now not only permeates their body, but your insureds/ clients carpeting, furniture and, well, everything.

Getting rid of the greasy residue and odor in the home is something left to the professional. Thankfully, we are only a phone call away. Specialized cleaning protocols will be required to deodorize the structure and contents. Experience matters and RestorePro has successfully helped many clients recover from “Skunk Encounters”. Getting the dog clean is another matter altogether. Here’s a home remedy dog cleaning tip that you may want to pass on to the unfortunate homeowner. One warning, if the dog has sustained injuries beyond being sprayed, the animal should be taken to the vet immediately.

In a plastic container, combine 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda and 2 tbsp of liquid dish soap (do not use soap made for automatic dishwashers, use the old fashioned liquid dish soap that claims to be grease cutting). Add a little lukewarm water if needed (for larger dogs). Mix the ingredients well. You’ll know its working because the solution will fizz - that’s the chemical reaction occurring. Instruct the insured to use the mixture immediately and not to save or store the remaining solution as the chemical reaction will continue. One other important note: do not use a spray bottle to hold the mixture, as the gases from the chemical reaction could cause the bottle to explode.

Tell the insured not to wet the dog down prior to applying the solution. Promptly begin cleaning the dog’s coat thoroughly, working the solution deep into your dog's coat. You may wish to use a sponge or washcloth. Avoid getting the solution in the eyes, ears or mouth of the dog, or the poor person cleaning it. Can’t stress this enough -- be careful not to get the solution in the dog’s eyes.

Rinse the dog with lukewarm water and repeat the cleaning process as many times as needed. Warn the insured that the solution may cause the color of the dog’s coat to lighten slightly.

To get the house and contents of the home cleaned and free of odors, contact us or visit our website for additional information.