How to Remove Burrs, Tar and Sticky Debris From Dog Fur

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Walks in fields, woods and parks come with sticky souvenirs: burrs, seeds, sap, gum and worse. Removing them gently is easier than cutting them out later, and prevents painful tangles.

Common culprits

• Burrs and cleavers, which hook into the coat
• Grass seeds, such as foxtails, which can embed in skin
• Tree sap and resin
• Chewing gum and sticky residue
• Tar, oil and paint
• Mud and clay that dry hard

Check the usual places

After walks, inspect:

• Between the toes and pads
• Armpits and groin
• Ears and the base of the ears
• Around the eyes and nose
• Under the collar
• Tail and feathering

Embedded seeds can cause infections, abscesses or injury. See dog paw pad care guide.

Removing burrs

1. Hold the hair at the base to avoid pulling on the skin.
2. Apply a little conditioner or detangling spray. See best detangling sprays.
3. Break the burr into smaller pieces with your fingers.
4. Comb out the pieces from the ends toward the skin.
5. If a burr is deeply tangled, trim carefully with blunt scissors, with a comb as a barrier. See how to use grooming scissors on a dog.

If burrs are matted in, see how to remove mats from dog hair.

Sap, gum and sticky residue

Apply a small amount of food-grade oil or a vet-approved product, wait a few minutes to loosen and work it out gently with a comb. Wash the area with dog shampoo to remove the oil. Avoid peanut butter that contains xylitol. See is xylitol toxic to dogs. If it does not come out, trim the affected hair.

Tar, oil and paint

Do not use solvents such as turpentine or petrol. They are toxic and burn skin. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline for advice, because dogs may lick and swallow these substances. A groomer may need to clip the hair.

Grass seeds

Foxtails and similar seeds can bury themselves in ears, noses, eyes, between toes and under the skin. Signs include head shaking, sneezing, swelling, limping and licking. See your vet promptly.

Prevention

• Keep hair trimmed, especially on feet and ears
• Avoid areas with burrs and long grass in late summer
• Use a lightweight protective coat for heavy-coated dogs
• Brush after walks. See how to brush a dog properly
• Comb the coat and feet at the door

Keep it calm

Take your time and reward your dog. If your dog is sore or stressed, stop and ask a groomer. See how to choose a professional dog groomer.

A kit for walks

Keep a small comb, a pair of blunt scissors, a travel-size detangling spray and a towel in your car or bag. Dealing with burrs on the spot means they do not get a chance to tangle. Wipe feet and check ears before getting into the car.

Long-coated dogs and walks in the countryside

Feathering on spaniels, setters and retrievers attracts burrs. Keep the feathers trimmed in late summer, or use a lightweight coat. After a walk, run a comb through the legs and chest. If a burr resists, soften it with conditioner and try again, rather than pulling.

The takeaway

Check after walks, use oil or conditioner to loosen debris and never pull hard. Seeds and tar need extra care and sometimes a vet.