Remove Burrs, Tar, or Paint from Pet Fur

Some dogs have an unnatural ability to attract all kinds of undesirables in their fur: burrs, tar, paint—just about anything goes when it comes to junk getting caught in your dog's fur. It may be semi-uncomfortable for the dog, but it sure is a pain for you, as the pet owner. You can't just leave the stuff there, so you need to find a way to fix it. Here are a few tips to get you started on your cleaning quest!

One of the things you can try is washing your pet with some vegetable oil. The oil allows you to brush out whatever is stuck to their coat. (However, only completely wash your pet in oil if the entire coat is affected—no need to grease up if it's not necessary!) Use dog shampoo and warm water to remove the oil, and your dog will be good as new. This may be a little messy and, well, oily, but it is a quick way to remove all that debris from fur. You could also use special products designed at removing sticky substances from other surfaces (fur included). My favorite such product is Goo-Be-Gone and I testify that it can work wonders. You take a bit and put it onto the fur and then put a bit more onto a rag and slowly rub the affected spot until the offensive substance rubs out. With some substances, you'll need to use more Goo-Be-Gone and more perseverance, but just give it enough time, and you dog will be good to go! The rag trick also works well with the vegetable oil remedy.

However you remove burrs, tar, or paint from your pet, remember to do it gently and methodically. The rougher you treat the problem, the harder time you'll have solving it, and the more irritated your dog will get. Gross things are impossible to remove from your pet's fur—you just need to be patient and gentle!