Categories
Uncategorized

Why Savvy Pet Parents Are Giving Coconut Oil To Their Dogs

Coconut Oil is Excellent for Dogs. Check out DOGSBUTTER by DOG for DOG

Coconut oil is all the rave now among health and beauty enthusiasts. It’s no wonder, the oil is a superfood that contains a unique combination of fatty acids which have profound health benefits on humans. The benefits include fat loss, healthy hair, as well as better brain function.

Coconut oil however, is also making waves among pet parents. Dog owners are buying the oil for their pets for many reasons. Here are a few.

  1. To Stave Off Infections

No matter how much you try to keep them away from harm, dogs will be dogs. They’ll always be curious about the world around them. Quite often, this curiosity leads them to harm. They get cuts, hot spots and cracked paws amongst other things from their daily scavenging. Locking them in the house is not the answer. If you want to have happy and energetic companions, you need to give them their outside time.

You can however, help protect them by using coconut oil. Coconut oil contains Lauric Acid. This is a 12 carbon fatty acid that is enzymatically digested to form a monoglyceride known as monolaurin. Both monolaurin and lauric acid are very effective against harmful disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. You can therefore protect your furry friend from infections and allow them the freedom they need for a healthy and vibrant life.

    1. To Help Their Pets Lose Weight

Is your dog dragging around some extra pounds? Dogs love to run around and explore the world around them. If it’s disheartening for you to watch your furry friend struggle with the weight and live a listless life, then you can imagine just how hard it is for them to watch all the other dogs run and play outside.

You can help your pet lose fat naturally and boost his energy levels by giving him some coconut oil. Unlike other fats, coconut oil is transported to the liver where it is converted into energy. It is not stored as fat around the body. If your furry friend is overweight, he will lose weight naturally and feel more energetic as a result of increased levels of energy. Before you know it, he’ll be shooting down the road.

  1. To Improve Their Dog’s Appearance

Dogs are the most interesting of creatures. They get into fights, sleep in the sun without a care in the world, and try to squeeze through spaces that are too small for them. This is all fun until they start developing cracked paws and infected cuts.

Coconut oil provides an inexpensive alternative to taking your dog to the vet for pricey ointments and antibiotics. It has the ability to improve the content of lipids in the skin as well as enhance moisture levels.

Coconut oil can also be very effective in the prevention of hair loss and damage. When applied to the skin, it acts as an effective sunscreen. It blocks about 20% of the ultraviolet rays from the sun. Applying coconut oil to your dog’s coat will protect his fur from sun damage.

  1. To Prevent Allergies

If your pet is suffering from allergic skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or flea allergies, give him coconut oil on a regular basis. At times, allergies might not be very visible; some might cause your pet’s feet to itch and he might try to lessen the discomfort by chewing or licking his paws frequently. Look for any signs of discomfort to know whether your dog is suffering from allergies.

Use the Best Products on Your Pet

Not all coconut oil products in the market have numerous positive effects. It is therefore important to scrutinize the products you buy to ensure you get the best for your pet. Here’s what we recommend:

1 Coconut Oil specifically for dogs. There are several brands on the market but we like the one from SunBeams as not only is it the best value for money (its twice the size as the other leading brand) but it’s also 100% pure, certified organic, raw, extra virgin, cold-pressed and unrefined.

2. If your dog doesn’t like the oil then you can try Coconut Chips/flakes that mix in nicely with food.

3. If your dog is crazy about peanut butter, get him DOGSBUTTER. It is made with natural ingredients including coconut so he’s bound to love it! Many dogs don’t like eating coconut but cannot resist peanut butter. The product also contains ginger which offers amazing benefits when combined with coconut. Together, they will boost the immunity and digestion of your canine companion.

Your dog is your best friend, why not get him the absolute best?

 

Categories
bad breath Dental Hygeine

5 Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Breath (hint: they cost under $2.00!)

2

Look no further than your kitchen cabinet or fridge for breath freshening herbs & spices! Many have germicidal properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Just finely chop the fresh herb and add them to your dogʼs food. To make it bind with the food (if feeding dry) you can toss the herbs and kibble with a little olive oil.

1. Parsley is excellent for digestion and for sweetening breath.

2. SAGE – The antiseptic properties in sage help reduce oral bacteria when the leaf is rubbed over the teeth.

3. Cilantro / Coriander is a wonderful natural way to clean teeth, stimulate gums and freshen breath.

4. Cinnamon (Ceylon Cinnamon) – Sprinkle it on your dogs food. Dogs love the taste of cinnamon, so ground cinnamon can be sprinkled on top of your dogʼs food. It helps dissolve food particles and aids with the digestion of food.

5. Mint, Peppermint and Spearmint are natural breath fresheners. Just chop the fresh herb up into fine particles and sprinkle into your dogʼs food. if theyʼre small enough your dog might not even notice. But if you have a picky eater, and youʼre feeding dry food, then toss the food and mint with some olive oil so it binds together.

Have you tried any herbs or spices you can recommend?

Categories
gas & poop

Gassy Dog? Learn how to quell that smell!

doggy flatulence

Dogs are renowned for having really bad smelling flatulence, and sometimes their breath isn’t a whole lot better. In spite of that, they never seem embarrassed, and still make lots of friends at the dog park.

We may laugh but if your dog has either of these problems, it’s not that funny. They’re a lot less pleasant to cuddle up to. Even worse, if your dog is flatulent, you may be blamed for the smell!

All dogs produce gas in their gastro-intestinal tract, as part of the normal digestion of food. Most of the gas that passes from the intestines doesn’t smell at all. Any bad smell is caused by hydrogen sulfide, better known as ‘rotten egg’ gas (YUCK).

Some dogs swallow large amounts of air while eating. This has to go somewhere, and unfortunately  it often comes out the other end. This isn’t usually offensive, but can be quite loud.

The foul smelling flatulence is usually due to poor digestion of certain nutrients, such as protein or fiber. When partially digested food reaches the large intestine, it ferments and releases excess gas. Some dogs also like to eat rotten food or other unsavory items, and this too adds an unpleasant odor to their wind.

Gas-Controlling Solutions

  • PORTION CONTROL.  Feed your dog several smaller meals a day, rather than one large meal. This will help to increase the digestion of nutrients, and reduce the amount of partially digested food reaching the large intestine. Less fermentation means less gas production.
  • SLOW DOWN!  Encourage your dog to eat slowly by putting an appropriate sized clean rock in his dinner bowl. He’ll have to dig around the rock for his kibble, and he won’t be able to quickly gulp his food. This will reduce the amount of air he swallows. There are also dog bowls that make eating dinner a game, and slows down the eating process.
  • DIET. Switch to a grain-free food. Pet owners often notice an improvement in their pet’s gastrointestinal health when changing to a grain free diet. Grain-free foods are generally of a premium grade that contain higher quality ingredients.
  • DIGESTIVE ENZYMES. These increase the breakdown of nutrients in the diet and help improve digestion and absorption. The result is again less fermentation. There are many digestive enzymes on the market for dogs. We like this one.

Help eliminate your dog’s gas with this two Step Solution

1. Feed your dog grain free food

2. Give your dog digestive enzymes

= NO MORE GAS

Categories
Grooming Shampoo

Can I use my shampoo on my dog?

Keeping our dogs clean and smelling nice can be a huge problem if your pet has itchy, flaky skin or is sensitive to the chemicals in human shampoos. When you maintain the proper pH balance in your dog’s skin, you can prevent a lot of issues that lead to itching, scratching, and a dull coat.

You may be surprised that there is actually a big  difference between human and canine shampoos. You may not notice the ill-effects of human shampoo if used only a couple of times, but after repeated use, you’ll start to notice. Here’s why:

1. Ph Balance. A dog’s skin is about 7.5 while human skin is about 5.5 (to put it in perspective, water is about 7.0). Therefore, a dog’s skin is more alkaline so ideally a dog’s shampoo should be between 6.5-7.5 or it could be irritating to the skin. Highly acidic shampoos may also diminish the hair’s protective qualities, removing valuable oil from the coat and skin. The result is dry, irritated skin and a dull coat. Of course it’s a vicious cycle because the dog will scratch which only makes the problem worse. To learn more about how a shampoos Ph balance affects a dog’s skin click here

2. Dog’s have sensitive skin– A dog only has about 3-5 cell-layers thick while we have about 10-15 layers. So, harsh shampoos with lots of chemicals and those that aren’t PH balanced will be irritating.

Pet parents can make the mistake of using human shampoo on their dogs, and totally remove that acidic mantle (a thin layer of acidic oil that covers the top layer of skin and protects it from bacteria, viruses, and other harmful elements) without the dog’s body being able to replenish the needed oils back to its normal range. When that happens, you’ll see a dog with dry, itchy skin that can lead to scratching sores and bacterial infections.

What do I look for in doggy shampoos?

  • Read the labels on canine shampoos. Look for all-natural, organic ingredients, fragrances, moisturizers.
  • Buying a good quality, all-natural canine shampoo and conditioner may mean spending a little more – but one bottle can last 6 months and will save your dog from the incessant itching and scratching that comes from using a cheaper, human product.
  • For all natural shampoos jam packed with herbs and botanicals you’ll love happytails

 

Is your dog suffering from itchy skin?

This FREE e-book could solve your dog’s itchy skin problem. Written by veterinarians and holistic pet practitioners the book is jam-packed with natural tips and solutions to bring relief to your itchy dog, Just click to get your copy.bit.ly/itchydogskin

AnimalWellnessBanner1200x1200 (2)

Categories
Grooming Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo

How often should you bathe your dog?

Most advice you find on the internet recommends washing your dog just several times per year!

Times have changed! Today, dogs enjoy shampoos and conditioners that are on par with the best human shampoos- that don’t have harsh chemicals and that don’t strip the hair of all of its oils.

The arguments against washing your dog too often are generally about stripping the coat of natural oils. The more often you wash something, the more often the sebum (oil) is going to be removed. Think about your own hair. If you don’t wash it, what happens? It gets oily. Is the oil good for your hair? Probably, but we wash our hair everyday anyway so that it’s clean!

 

1. Does your dog live indoors or outdoors, and does your dog sleep in your bed?

If your dog lives in your house with you and more importantly, if he/she sleeps in your bed, then you are probably going to wash your dog regularly–depending on the breed anywhere from once a week to once a month. I know this is radical thinking, but, if your dog sits on your sofa, you probably don’t want him dragging in dirt, poop, insects and other grime onto your sofa. So, the trade off is that your dog’s coat ~might ~ be marginally drier but you will have a fresh smelling dog that you can cuddle without the fear that gross stuff is getting into the sheets.

2. Breed of dog

Harsh-textured coats repel dirt pretty well so they don’t get as dirty as a soft-coated dog.  Breeds with harsh-textured coast include Shelties, Collies and labs and they can be bathed once a month. Dogs without undercoats like Maltese, Yorkies, Afghans and Shitzus should be bathed once a week. If you’re not sure, remember, a clean dog is a happy dog!

3. Is anyone in your household allergic to dogs?

If so, you SHOULD groom & bathe them as often as possible. According to the American Lung Association, doing so will help remove the dander that accumulates on a pet’s fur.

I am allergic to one of my dogs and when I don’t wash her once a week I get wheezy and sneezy.

4. What activities does your dog partake in?

Do you take your dog to the dog park? Does you dog play in the sand or dirt? Does your dog roll in the grass or go swimming or hiking? What about sniffing butts, eating poop or drooling?

Well, if you have a normal dog, she probably partakes in several of the above activities– all of which warrant regular bathing. Again, you have to think of the trade off. Your dog’s coat may be marginally drier HOWEVER, he will be cleaner, smell better, and most important you will be more likely to give a clean dog lots of love.

5. Does your dog suffer from itchy skin?

Unlike humans who absorb most environmental allergens through their noses and mouths, dogs tend to absorb allergens through the skin. Weekly bathing can prevent itchiness, washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin.

In conclusion — the answer for MOST dogs is to wash them every 2-4 weeks depending on the above circumstances.

But remember, use a gentle pet shampoo and conditioner and do not use your own shampoo (we’ll discuss why not next week). These are a couple of high end pet shampoo and conditioners we recommend.

 

Categories
Grooming Itchy Skin & Allergies Shampoo

Would your dog benefit if you conditioned her coat? Answer these 6 questions to find out

doginbath-bulldogwithducks

 

Most people dislike bathing their dog because, let’s admit it, it’s a pain in the rear end.  Taking extra time to condition their dog would be a real luxury. However, conditioning can really improve the state of their coat.

The case for conditioners – As we all know, shampoos by design are used for removing unwanted grime from the skin and coat. But shampooing, without sealing the coat afterwards, leaves the hair shaft open where residue can enter and oils and hydration escape. But conditioning after shampooing will close the hair cuticle and restore hydration, moisture and elasticity.

To determine if your dog is a good candidate for conditioner answer the following questions:

1. How long is your dog’s coat?

2. Does he/she have an under coat?

3. How often do you wash your dog?

4. Does your dog have itchy skin?

5. The cuddle factor (CF) you would like to achieve.

6. How adverse is your dog to bath time?

Long Coats

If your dog has a long coat,  then it may be prone to mats and tangles (think Maltese, Yorkies, Afgans). Using a conditioner will not only make your dog’s coat healthier it will make your job a lot easier by helping to remove mats and tangles and the after bath brush out will be a breeze.

Undercoat

Dog’s without undercoats will probably receive the most benefit from a conditioner. Because their hair most resembles human hair, it’s thin, easily tangles and gets dirty quickly. Dogs with undercoats usually have thicker coarser hair (like a lab) and therefore do not matte and the coat tends to repel dirt.

Wash Frequency

If you wash your dog often (more than 1x per month) you should definitely condition your dog to close that hair shaft so the coat retains moisture.

Itchy Skin

If your dog has itchy skin , you may want to bathe your dog more often to get rid of allergens. And if you’re washing your dog frequently, conditioner is a good idea. Be sure to use one that has oatmeal which works wonders for itchy skin and other botanicals to help combat itchy skin. Look for herbs like aloe, burdock, comfrey and boswellia to help with inflammation.

The Cuddle Factor (CF)

Of course this is the most important thing to consider!  I have a maltese and nothing is better than slathering her with Fur Butter (or Fur Worse) Deep Conditioner. Her coat is left so amazingly soft. It immediately makes the CF go from 10 to 1,000,000.

Bath Time adversity

If your dog really really hates the water and can’t hang around in the tub for one minute longer, there are still things you can do to condition your dog. For example, there are some great 2-in-1 Shampoos and Conditioners you can check out like Bubbles ‘n Beads. Not only does it smell amazing but it gets the job done fast.  Or, get a leave-in conditioner that you simply spray into the dog’s coat after a bath. This aids with the brush out process and adds moisture into the coat. Most of these can be used on a wet or dry coat.

So there is some science to this after all, it’s not all just fluff (not pun intended) Although for most of us it will come down to unquantifiable things like the all important Fluff Factor and of course the aforementioned Cuddle Factor (CF).

 

Categories
Arthritis & Hip Dysplasia Old Age

Stopping Pain & Inflammation Before it Starts 

Under the table

90% of dogs get arthritis, and there’s no cure

September is Arthritis Awareness Month so now is the perfect time to talk about your dog’s joints (that and the fact that my dog just got diagnosed with severe arthritis in her knee so it’s top of mind. Just the diagnosis put me back about $800).

You may be thinking, my dog is fine, I don’t need to read this article but 20% of middle-aged dogs and 90% of senior dogs get arthritis. And because there’s no cure other than surgery, it has to be managed by medication that has side-effects.

How much better would it be if we could stop that pain and inflammation before it starts? 

Well, we can! With nutritional joint supplements.

There are four main advantages to using nutritional supplements to look after your dog’s joints:

1. THEY WORK A recent study in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics showed that collagen definitely improved the mobility and comfort level of dogs with arthritis.

2. SLOW IT DOWN Using a nutritional product to support your dog’s joints is proactive. If you give him the right supplement, you can help to slow the deterioration of his cartilage and improve the consistency and cushioning effect of the fluid in his joints. This can prevent joint degeneration before it occurs, rather than treating the damage after the event.

3. SAFETY FIRST! Nutritional supplements are safe. There is virtually no risk that your treatment will do more harm than good. If you can manage your dog’s joint health using supplements, it’s a better long term option for him.

4. THE PRICE IS RIGHT!  Nutritional supplements are MUCH less expensive. If only I had been proactive with my dog RiQui I would have an extra $800 in my bank account and wouldn’t be looking at the possibility of spending another $4000 more on surgery.

Choosing a Nutritional Supplement for Your Dog’s Joints

Whether you shop online or at the pet store, you’ll find quite a range of nutritional joint supplements to choose from. How do you know which one to buy? You need to read the label to check the  ingredient list, and make sure it includes ingredients that have been shown to be effective.

Some of the more common ingredients you’ll see are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These have both been proven safe and effective. However, these days there are so many other, even more effective all natural ingredients available. One that I like is Collagen Type II. It encourages the development of new cartilage in your dog’s joints and helps to reduce any further damage. Check out Collagen. It not only has the collagen but also contains two other extremely effective ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid and chondroitin which both promote tissue healing and improve the lubricant effect of his joint fluid as well as herbs like boswellia serrata and devils claw to help with inflammation.

).

 

 

Categories
Dental Hygeine

If your dog resists brushing, there are other options

Caring for your dog’s teeth could add years to her life.

Not only will taking care of your dog’s teeth save time & money on vet visits, but will help to prevent heart and kidney disease and add years to your dog’s life. Do you care for your dog’s teeth?

The reality is that most dogs hate getting their teeth brushed and there are times when you’re either out of hours or out of patience. So, even though teeth cleaning with a toothbrush is ideal, instead of giving up, try something else. Something is better than nothing!

If your dog resists the toothbrush, there are other options.

Right from the beginning start using wipes, oral rinses and water additives which can provide the dental care needed to keep your dog’s teeth in good shape.

Water Additives poured directly into your dog’s bowl can loosen plaque build-up and freshen her breath whenever she takes a drink. Made with fatty acid salts that inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, and baking soda to fight bad breath and remove plaque and food particles, water additives are an easy way to help your pet’s oral hygiene.

Foams  The foam immediately adheres to teeth to gently clean, sanitize and loosen plaque build-up without using a toothbrush

Dental Wipes are perfect for the dog who resists brushing with a toothbrush, they clean the front and the back of the teeth at the same time

What is your biggest concern?

Small dog? Check out our solutions idea for dog’s with small mouths.

Bad breath? Here’s some products to quell that smell.

Resist brushing? Here’s some alternatives to the toothbrush.

 

Categories
Itchy Skin & Allergies

My Dog Has Red, Itchy Skin & Bumps — What is the problem?

There are numerous reasons why your pooch has red, itchy skin. Allergies, parasites, and various microbes can be the source of the discomfort resulting in inflammation and hair loss. We’ve given you a very general overview of some of the causes of your dog’s itching and provided you with some possible solutions in the paragraphs below.

Allergies

Veterinarians report that skin allergies are the Number One reason they see their doggy patients. The itching and the scratching associated with allergies often leads to hair loss and red, inflamed skin. Some dogs scratch and bite at themselves so much they cause sores or open wounds on their bodies that can become infected. Your sensitive dog can be allergic to just about anything — grass and tree pollens, dust in your home, even her own food. Consulting with your veterinarian can help you determine the cause for your dog’s allergies, but it is up to you to help her overcome her symptoms and ease the discomfort she feels daily. 

Regardless of what is causing her reactions, putting your dog on an all-natural, grain-free diet made with unusual proteins, fruits and veggies has been known to alleviate the itchiness of some dogs. (I’ve had my own itchy pup on a grain-free diet for several months now and the scratching has definitely lessened.)

You may also want to try bathing your pooch in an all natural oatmeal-based shampoo specifically formulated for dogs with allergies. The colloidal oatmeal in the shampoo contains natural moisturizers and anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve the itching associated with allergies and bug bites. If your pup is focused on just one area of her body, using a targeted anti-itch spray can instantly stop the redness and discomfort she’s feeling on her itchy spots.

Mange

If you’re the new pet parent of a rescue dog — either puppy or fully mature — your new pet may come home with you carrying a case of mange. There are normally 2 types of mange mites that infect the neglected, malnourished pups often sitting in your local shelter.

  • Demodex mites are the non-contagious kind. These microscopic bugs live on the bodies of all healthy dogs, getting their nourishment from dead skin and hair cells. It’s only when the animal becomes immune-compromised through illness or malnourishment and the body isn’t able to fend off these little buggers, that they over-multiply and become intolerable. You’ll see dogs with hair loss and red, inflamed, often infected, skin and its because the demodex has gotten out of control.
  • Sarcoptes mites are a much more serious infestation than demodex because these mites are contagious to humans. Dogs with sarcoptes show the same hair loss, and inflamed skin you see in demodex. However, sarcoptes is much more malicious and uncomfortable for the dog and infected dogs often have running, open sores and infected, cracked skin from the severe itching that occurs with this disease.

Only your veterinarian, examining a skin scraping under a microscope, can help you determine which type of mite is infecting your dog. Medicated baths and dips given over a period of several weeks are typically prescribed by vets, and your pup may need antibiotics if any skin infection is noted.

Once you get your pup past all the mange nastiness, using the oatmeal-based shampoo and anti-itch spray can keep her from re-injuring her skin.

We also recommend using CBD Oil. You’ve probably heard about it, it’s absolutely exploding in popularity among dog owners. It helps to reduce inflammation and it reduces a dog’s anxiety. Our recommended brand is Cannanine. 

Fleas

I hate fleas!…and I know I’m not the only pet parent out there with those same feelings. Those pesky little parasites live on your dog’s skin, dine on her blood, and will, if you’re not proactive, move into your home and feast on every living creature there — including you.

You can usually spot fleas on your dog if she’s constantly scratching or biting at her skin and you can see tiny, black moving specks under her hair coat. Some dogs are so allergic to the saliva in the flea bites that their skin becomes red and inflamed and they begin to lose their hair. This condition is called flea allergy dermatitis.

Killing the fleas with an insect-repellent shampoo and then using monthly topical flea preventive is really the only way to guarantee that the fleas — and the eggs — are dead.

Applying an all-natural flea protection spray in between baths and monthly medications helps to ensure that those itchy little jumpers are gone for good. You’ll want to look for a product that contains no pesticides or poisons so that if your pet licks it off, she is perfectly safe.

Skin infections

Skin infections, also called skin dermatitis, are usually the result of a dog’s licking and scratching from one or more of the reasons we’ve already discussed. Caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungus, an untreated skin infection can gradually become so serious that your dog’s health can be dangerously compromised. That’s why we always tell you that if you notice any open sores, scaly patches, or bloody areas on your dog’s skin, you need to see your veterinarian.

Your vet can run blood tests, skin scrapings, and fungal cultures to determine the cause of the infection and recommend medications to cure it. Don’t take a chance on your pup’s health by attempting to self-diagnose whenever there is a chance of disease.

After all, a healthy and itch-free dog is a happy dog…and what more could any pet parent want?

Categories
Skunk Odor Removal

Five Ways to Get Skunk Smell Out of Your Dog’s Coat

i've been skunked graphic

Whether you live in the country or in the suburbs, the chances are good that at some point on one of your daily walks, your dog is going to get “skunked.” We all know that our dogs like to sniff in brushy grasslands and stalk woodpiles – and those areas are perfect for a skunk family to hide away from predators. To a mama skunk, our dogs are predators, and the only defense she has is those scent glands located under her tail. When she squirts on our pets, the horrific smell can last for weeks.

There are a couple of home remedies you can try, but you need to get started right away before the oil from the skunk spray totally saturates your dog’s coat and skin.

Tips BEFORE You Bathe

  • Leave your dog outside to keep the smell from coming in your house
  • Change into old clothes that you’re willing to throw away. Skunk spray is actually an oil that is as hard to get out of fabric, as it is dog fur. Don’t allow your dog to lie on his bedding for the same reason.
  • Make sure to wear disposable rubber gloves when handling or washing your dog. You don’t want the smell on your hands or skin.
  • Try blotting some of the skunk spray with paper towels before you begin washing. Don’t rub the oil down further into the hair coat and try not to spread it further on your dog’s fur. If you use a regular bathing towel, you’ll want to use one you can later toss in the trash.
  • Determine where the spray hit your dog. You may be able to trim away some of the contaminated fur or comb it out.

Now its time to mix your home remedy using one of the recipes listed below.

Solution #1

In a plastic container, combine 1-quart hydrogen peroxide, ¼-cup baking soda and 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid soap. Add lukewarm water if needed (for larger dogs). Mix your ingredients well. The solution will fizz, as a chemical reaction is occurring. Use immediately – do not store. Don’t soak your dog with water prior to bathing; just massage the solution deep into her coat and skin.

Solution #2

Use distilled vinegar to sponge the area that is sprayed to neutralize the odor. Then use a strong dish soap – many homeopathic veterinarians prefer Dawn dishwashing liquid – to cut through the oil (skunk spray is a very oily foam). Follow with regular shampoo and conditioner.

You may need to wash your dog several times in either solution to get rid of all of the smell, allowing each remedy to remain on your dog for at least 10 minutes prior to rinsing with lukewarm water.

Solution #3

Tomato juice has long been used to clear up skunk odors. Take room temperature juice and a wet sponge and thoroughly coat your dog’s hair with the tomato juice. Allow the juice to dry, then bathe and rinse your dog normally. The tomato juice might stain the coat of lighter haired dogs, but that is a small price to pay to get rid of the odor.

Solution #4

Listerine mouthwash is also an alternative. Use it liberally as you would the tomato juice. If your dog has sensitive skin, please note that the acid content of the mouthwash is extremely high and may irritate your dog’s skin.

Solution #5

All-natural products out on the market that have proven to counteract skunk spray better than most home remedies without all the hassle of having to measure and formulate the solutions yourself.

An all-natural neutralizing spray contains essential oils and organic compounds that chemically alter the molecular structure of the odor-causing components of skunk spray. This makes the smell less potent on your dog, your clothes, and any water-safe surface your stinky pet may have contacted. You’ll want to use the spray prior to shampooing your dog.

Skunk-Duo-210px

 

After using the spray, you’ll want to bathe your pooch in a skunk odor neutralizing shampoo that works quickly and effectively to remove that horrid smell. The naturally derived essential oils and organic chemical compounds in this shampoo not only eliminate skunk odors, but take care of other stinky smells as well. (On a personal note, I’ve used this particular shampoo on my Border Collie who just loves to roll in any rotting fish she finds along the lake front. Whew!!)

If you’re one of those unfortunate pet parents who finds themselves needing a de-skunking shampoo, look your dog over carefully for scratches and scrapes from the skunk and make sure no spray has gotten into your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth. If you suspect your dog has been sprayed around her head, see your veterinarian as soon as possible for medications and pain relief, because skunk spray can be quite caustic if it gets in your dog’s eyes or nose.