I was listening to Science Friday as I was driving home from a dog walking today, and one of the topics grabbed my attention and I wanted to share it. Imagine every pet owners nightmare... your pet is poking around outside and BAM! they get tangled up with a skunk who gets spooked! You've got one ticked off pup on your hands as well a smelly, awful mess. (Gosh, I hope this never happens on my watch, but if it does...)
According to Paul Krebaum, a chemist - a simple solution of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, Baking Soda and liquid soap will neutralize the skunk spray. It's fascinating how it works. Thiols are the organic compounds responsible for the odor in skunk spray. The chemical composition in the following recipe changes the thiols ability to do their thing by oxidizing them:
Combine together in a large container,
- 1 Quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (acts as the oxidizing agent)
- 1/4 cup Baking Soda (makes the solution slightly alkaline, which is essential for the hydrogen peroxide to work. It also helps to hydrolyze, or break the bonds of the other components of skunk spray.)
- 1-2 tablespoons of Liquid Soap (assists in removing the skunk oils)
If your pet gets skunked, simply combine the ingredients fresh and this is important... immediately bathe in a tub and let stand for 10 minutes or so before rinsing off well with lukewarm water. Use care when bathing and rinsing; this solution is a bit harsh and will irritate eyes. If your pet has been sprayed in the eyes, consult a vet as the spray can cause intense pain, although blindness is not cause for concern. 
Small dogs are more prone to more significant problems from being sprayed. In rare cases, the skunk spray can enter the lungs, causing death.
It's a great idea if you are a pet owner to have a quart or so of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide on hand - make sure that it is a sealed, fresh container; a previously opened container can break down and become ineffective.
When an oxidizing bath is required, be sure to combine the ingredients fresh, as it is necessary to do so to ensure that the ingredients interact actively. Also, DO NOT combine and put a lid on the container. The combined ingredients emit a gas and a closed container will burst.
For the record, tomato juice is not effective in resolving the issue - all that you end up with is frusteration and a humiliated, pink tinged pet. :(
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