HELOISE Jake's run in the woods raised a big stink

Dear Heloise: I read your column every day in The Parkersburg (W.Va.) News. Many of your hints have been put to use in this house.
We live in an area surrounded by woods, and the wildlife is abundant. Several years ago, our wonderful dog, Jake, was sprayed just a little by a skunk. We heard using mouthwash would get the smell out. He ended up smelling like a minty skunk. Eventually, the smell wore off. We now have an energetic yellow Lab who runs through the woods quite a bit. So far, he hasn't been sprayed, but I know it will happen, given the nature of our woods and our pup.
What do we use to get the smell off our dog, Chance? Thanks. Rhonda C.S., via e-mail
Yuck -- a minty-smelling skunk! Well, we have the right solution for you. Mix together 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 1 teaspoon of mild liquid dishwashing detergent and 1/4 cup of baking soda.
Before bathing your pet, put cotton balls in his ears and a drop of mineral oil in each eye to prevent the mixture from irritating the eyes. Rub the mixture through your pet's coat and brush it through with a soft brush, then rinse well. You might have to repeat it until the odor is gone, but it really does work. Heloise
Dear Readers: Carol Conway of San Diego owns an adorable white cat with a gray tail and gray markings on his head. The photo that she sent shows him lying on a couch, flat on his back, without a worry in the world.
You can see Tombe on my Web site, www.Heloise.com. Just click on This Week's Pet. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When I brought my dog to the veterinarian for a checkup, I was surprised to see the vet put a rubber mat on the stainless-steel table. When I asked why, he said some dogs get nervous and shaky when placed on the metal table. The rubber mat keeps them from slipping and sliding. It should be something every vet keeps in his or her examining room. Miranda L., via e-mail
I try to bring a towel for Cabbie, our miniature schnauzer, to stand on, and you're right -- she seems more stable. Heloise
Dear Heloise: It's impossible to keep my cat indoors. All she wants to do is go out, even on rainy nights. Instead of using a cardboard box for shelter, I bought a plastic, covered litter box and put a couple of old towels on the bottom.
When the cover is on, the opening is perfect for her to run in and out. I keep it close to our house and out of the wind and rain. Fancy loves it! Terry Elia, Pine Bush, N.Y.
Paper towels and tissue are probably best to use for hamsters' nesting material, but stay away from any type containing lotion or dye. Mites can form in aspen wood chips. Cedar and pine contain chemicals that can cause damage to the respiratory system.
Even though some hamster owners say that they have successfully used wood chips, it's really a good idea to use paper or anything that water dissolves. Just change the paper frequently. Heloise
King Features Syndicate