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De-Skunking Video Wins ACS Everyday Chemistry Contest

Jan. 1, 2000

I am thankful that I've never needed a remedy for de-skunking a dog. However, I'm sure I've just tempted fate. No worries, this video, which was the winner of a contest sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS), gives me the lowdown on getting the skunk stink out of my dog's fur for good – and a quick chemistry lesson to boot.

I am thankful that I've never needed a remedy for de-skunking a dog. However, I'm sure I've just tempted fate. No worries, this video, which was the winner of a contest sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS), gives me the lowdown on getting the skunk stink out of my dog's fur for good – and a quick chemistry lesson to boot.
The video was produced by Sally B. Mitchell, a chemistry teacher from East Syracuse Minoa High School in Syracuse, N.Y. She explains that you only need four things to make your dog smell fresh and clean after an encounter with a black-and-white creature of the night: a plastic container, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid soap. Forget the tomato juice. Her dog, Peanut, serves as the subject of the fizzy bath. (Watch it now.)The ACS judges ranked the videos on clarity and accuracy in explaining chemistry, relevance to everyday life, entertainment value/creativity of the submission, and execution and production value.Here's to hoping I never have to use this spa treatment. But if I do, I will be sure to report back with the results.
Traci PurdumSenior digital editor and owner of good-smelling dogs (knock on wood.)

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