July 2025 – A sudden encounter with a skunk can turn a pleasant evening walk into a smelly nightmare. But before you panic and toss your dog into the bath, experts warn that water is the worst first step when it comes to removing skunk odor.

“Water helps the skunk oil penetrate deeper into your dog’s skin and fur,” says veterinary professionals. “This can actually make the smell stronger and more difficult to eliminate.”

✅ Skip the Water — Use This DIY De-Skunking Solution Instead:

Pet owners swear by this homemade remedy that neutralizes skunk odor without harsh chemicals:

• 4 cups hydrogen peroxide (3%)

• ¼ cup baking soda

• 1 teaspoon Dawn liquid dish soap

How to Apply:

1. Apply to your dog’s dry coat — do not wet them first.

2. Gently massage the mixture into the fur, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth.

3. Let sit for 5 minutes.

4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

⚠️ Important: Do not store leftover mixture. It can build up pressure in sealed containers and cause ruptures.

🐾 Why Skunk Spray Is So Powerful

Skunk spray contains sulfur-based thiols, which are responsible for the potent, lingering odor. Skunks can spray up to 15 feet and release their defense mechanism as many as 6 times in a row.

🧼 Be Prepared

Keep the ingredients on hand if you live in areas where skunks are common. Quick action can make all the difference in odor control—and your dog’s comfort.

Rockland County, NY – The Five Towns of Rockland—Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangetown, Ramapo, and Stony Point—are coming together once again for a lifesaving mission. In partnership with the American Red Cross, these towns are proud to launch the 2025 Red Cross Blood Drive Challenge, a friendly competition to see which community can collect the most blood donations and make the biggest impact.

The challenge will take place across multiple locations throughout Summer 2025, with each town hosting its own Red Cross blood drives to encourage local participation. The goal is not only to raise awareness about the urgent need for blood donations but also to foster a spirit of unity and community service throughout Rockland County.

Why It Matters:
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Donated blood helps trauma and cancer patients, those undergoing surgery, premature babies, and more. With blood supply levels often critically low during the summer months, this challenge comes at a crucial time.

How to Get Involved:

• Donate blood at any of the participating drives in your town.

• Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to join you.

• Share your experience on social media using the hashtag: #RocklandGivesBlood

At the end of the challenge, the town with the highest number of donations will be recognized for their outstanding civic spirit—but in this contest, every town wins when lives are saved.

Upcoming Blood Drive Dates and Locations will be announced soon. For more information or to schedule a donation, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter your ZIP code.

Let’s come together to make a difference—One Pint. One Town. One Life at a Time.