Process will help if your dog gets 'skunked'

Dear Readers: Has your dog ever been "skunked & quot;? You're very lucky if you've never had to deal with that awful smell, but if your luck runs out and your pooch comes home after a close encounter with a frightened skunk, there are a couple of things you can try.
The old hint is to douse the fur with tomato juice or other juices containing citric acid, but most need something stronger. My vet and many others suggest this method:
Mix together 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid. Blend well and then rub it into your dog's coat, as you would shampoo. Make sure to keep it out of your dog's ears and eyes. Rinse thoroughly with lots of clear water. This should help, but if not, you might have to repeat the process to completely remove the odor. Fresh air and time will lessen it, too. Baking soda works wonders on all sorts of odors. To find out how this inexpensive product can be invaluable around your home, send $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (60 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001 to receive a copy of my six-page pamphlet filled with hints and recipes. Another pet hint: To cut down on litter-box odor, sprinkle some baking soda in first, then add the litter. This should keep the odor down between cleanings. Keep in mind that some cats are finicky, and if you notice that they aren't using the litter box, clean the box and don't add the baking soda. Heloise
Dear Heloise: A reader made a wire playpen so her rabbit could exercise and graze. The pen should have wire across the top to prevent hawks, dogs or other animals from getting to the rabbit. Also, anyone living where there are fire ants should never leave a rabbit penned to graze. Susan J., via e-mail
Dear Readers: Verna Ray Humphrey of Palestine, Texas, sent us a picture of her cat, Sheree, keeping an eye on some freshly picked pears.
Verna says: "Each year we pick pears and put them on newspaper to ripen to be canned. Sheree will meet my husband, Robert, at the back door and run ahead of him to show him where to put the pears. Then she watches them to make sure nothing happens to them."
Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and 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: My daughter wanted a pet bird. Well, after bringing the little guy home, we were quite surprised at what a mess he makes. So, I just wanted to remind readers that before they buy a new pet, they should do a little research so that they know exactly what they are getting themselves into. We love Elvis -- but he requires lots of care and cleaning! Ginny in Texas
King Features Syndicate