My lab just got skunked! I know that the tomato juice bath is a bogus remedy. What do you recommend?

From Lenny, in Vermont

Hi, Lenny,

Sorry to hear that! In THE DOG BIBLE, I have a couple of de-skunking solutions that you mix up yourself, so check them out. But recently, I learned of a great product that will do the trick. "X-O Odor Remover" is an organic water-based product that does just what its name suggests. You can use it on odors the dog has left as a calling card, but also directly on him when he has tangoed with a skunk (it also works if he's taken a roll in some fragrant manure). Get some X-O (you can get a free sample off the "Useful Links" page of www.thedogbible.com, but you need a whole lot more than that now!) If no store near you has it, they will ship it out for the next time you need it.

Cover your dog's eyes (with your free hand or a washcloth) and spray him all over with the ready-to-use X-O. Then dilute the X-O with an equal amount of water (or 3 ounces of the X-O concentrate in a bucket of water) and rub it into his coat well, then rinse. If you had a breed with thick fur, I would say to repeat this step, but being a Lab, he'll be good to go. Kind regards.

Tracie