Hints From Heloise

Defusing Skunk Power

Dear Heloise: You have printed remedies for removing the odor when one's pet has had a RUN-IN WITH A SKUNK. The best remedy I know is vinegar. It works immediately and requires no preparation or nasty cleanup. No muss, no fuss, no smell! -- B.D., via e-mail

Yes, there are several remedies for getting rid of that skunky odor. Vinegar is one of the oldest, and it works pretty well. Tomato juice works fairly well since it contains vinegar, but it can be messy.

Here's an update from the vet community: Mix 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon mild hand dishwashing detergent. (Be sure there is no bleach or ammonia in the detergent.) Avoiding the eyes and ears, rub the solution into the dog's coat, then bathe your pet using a mild pet shampoo.

The other night, our precious pup, Cabbie the mini schnauzer, came in the house from outside, and whew, she had gotten close to a skunk! It was too late to give her a bath, so I made up a solution of half vinegar and half water, dampened a microfiber cloth with it and rubbed her down two times. I gave her a quick dry with another clean microfiber cloth. Then I rubbed some baking soda into her fur and brushed it out. She was a sweet-smelling dog! -- Heloise

P.S.: Use caution, and maybe skip the baking-soda step if your pet is on a sodium-restricted diet. Read below for another baking-soda pet hint.

SMELLY BED

Dear Heloise: My dog, Wolf, has a wonderful pet bed, but it does get smelly. The best thing I have found to deal with this doggy odor is good old baking soda. I put plenty of baking soda on the bed and let it do its work for a short while. I find that taking it outside to shake out the baking soda also helps to get the odor out. Wolf and I are both much happier. -- C.G., via e-mail

BIRD SAFETY

Dear Readers: Fishing line can be deadly for birds! As you enjoy the beach, lakes and rivers, take a plastic bag and pick up fishing line or other trash that you see. Help keep waterways clean and safe for all wildlife. -- Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Pamela Gentry of Agoura Hills, Calif., sent a photo of her 6-year-old golden retriever, Dixie Bell, posing for the camera in a frilly collar. Pamela says, "When she gets excited (which is often), she chases her tail until she catches it!"

To see Dixie Bell, visit www.Heloise.com. -- Heloise

CLEAN DISH

Dear Heloise: I don't like to clean the stuck-on food on my dog's dish. I spray the dish with a vegetable-oil spray before filling it with food. The food doesn't stick, and cleanup is easy. -- Sara O., via e-mail

(c)2009 by King Features Syndicate Inc.