On behalf of County Extension offices throughout Arizona, I recently conducted experiments in how to decrease the thiol odor from a 100-lb. Rottweiler. As many of you are aware, thiols are chemicals produced by many things, including de composing flesh, fecal matter, and skunks. The striped skunk (one of which lives in my neighborhood) produces trans-2-butene-l-thiol, 3-methyl-Ibutanethiol, and 2-quinolinemethanethiol.

The trick to decreasing the smell of thiols is to change them into other compounds. A chemist named Paul Krebaum has figured out a way to get oxygen molecules to bond with thiols- and change them into things that don't smell bad. The recipe is 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap. Wash while it is bubbling and rinse with tap water. Other treatments in my experiment included 3 quarts of tomato juice, Massengil douche powder (a favorite Prescott remedy), Nature's Miracle (available in pet stores), and every soap and shampoo I had in the house.

My conclusion is to use the hydrogen peroxide baking soda recipe.

And keep the dog outside.

-Mohave Master Gardeners' Talk Newsletter, Jan. 1996 (*Dr.Young is the former Horticulture Agent for Cochise County. She is presently the Mohave County Horticulture Agent.)