Sugary tree sap can be the bane of a dog owner鈥檚 life during the spring and early summer when it flows most freely. This super-sticky substance is notoriously tricky to remove from fur. Plus, scratchy pine needles and other debris can get glued to it, turning your dog鈥檚 coat into a matted, tacky, uncomfortable mess.
Thankfully, you don鈥檛 need to avoid your daily woodland dog walks at this time of year. You鈥檝e likely got all the tools you need to get sap out of your dog鈥檚 fur at home. And, if you act fast and come armed with treats, it doesn鈥檛 have to be a task you and your dog dread.
Why is Sap a Problem for Dogs?
It鈥檚 not just the uncomfortable matting that makes removing sap from your dog鈥檚 fur a priority. Some tree saps, like pine sap, can be mildly toxic to your pet. Sap can cause itchy hotspots, rashes, or even allergic reactions if left to linger. If your dog tries to get the sap off their paws, they can further irritate their skin or develop granulomas from excessive licking.
While sap is unlikely to cause serious problems, avoiding sap ingestion removes any risk. Depending on the tree type, licking sap can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, lethargy, drooling, or lack of appetite. If your dog displays any of these symptoms after ingesting tree sap, consult your vet.
Steps for Sap Removal
Don鈥檛 put off sap removal. The longer it sits in your dog鈥檚 fur, the more likely it is to cause irritation, tummy troubles, or messy matting. Check your dog over after every tree-lined walk, and, if you need to rid them of syrupy attachments, be ready with tons of their favorite treats or a tasty food-filled to distract and build positive associations. Here鈥檚 how to get sap out of dog fur.
1. Soften the Sap
Hard sap is problematic and painful to remove from fur鈥攜ou can only cut it out in this state. If the doesn鈥檛 horrify your dog, using it on the lowest setting can soften the sap, making it easier to separate from fur. Ensure the dryer isn鈥檛 too close or too hot for your dog鈥檚 delicate skin.
2. Apply Oil
Pet-safe oil-based lubricants are your best friend for getting sap out of dog fur. They help further soften and loosen the sticky substance. Vegetable or olive oil are the most common secret ingredients, but you can also try smooth peanut butter (your dog might try to lick it, so make sure it is xylitol and sugar-free), soft butter, or mayonnaise.
Thoroughly work a generous amount of oil into the affected fur with your fingers. If your dog is calm and patient, massaging it in for a few minutes gives it a chance to really work its magic. For dogs with sensitive skin, you could purchase a tree sap removal product specifically formulated and tested for pets.
3. Break Up the Sap
Slowly and gently work the sap out using your fingers or, better still, a wide-toothed . Have a paper towel on-hand to wipe up loose pieces of sap. If the sap isn鈥檛 coming off freely, don鈥檛 tug. You鈥檒l hurt your dog, and they鈥檒l understandably be less accommodating the next time you need to tackle this task.
Be patient, and don鈥檛 expect a large glob to slide off straight away. You might need to add more oil, especially as chunks come off in bigger pieces.
4. Pay Particular Attention to the Paws
Paws are the most frequent victims to fall foul of sap attachment. They鈥檙e also the trickiest spot to remove it from. If you鈥檙e struggling to work the oil in between fluffy toes and paw pads, try using a soft bristle toothbrush.
4. Cut Out the Stubborn Stuff
If you鈥檝e had several oil slathering sessions and some sap doesn鈥檛 want to budge, you might need to admit defeat and cut out a small patch. Where possible, use blunt-tipped pet grooming scissors.
Be extra careful when trimming off sap stuck close to your dog鈥檚 skin. Your local groomer or vet can help if you don鈥檛 feel confident or your dog isn鈥檛 keen.
5. Give a Cleansing Bath
After all the sap is out, you still have to contend with a greasy pup. They鈥檒l need a bath with warm water and dog shampoo to rinse out any remaining sap residue and oil. Focus your lathering efforts on the slick fur and be ready to do a couple of rinses.
What Not to Do When Getting Sap Out of Dog Fur
Steer clear of astringent solvents, chemical detergents, petroleum products, and alcohol. They鈥檙e harsh on sensitive skin, not good for your dog to lick, can irritate eyes, and won鈥檛 always break up the sap the way an oil-based substance will.
How to Prevent Sap Getting Stuck in Dog鈥檚 Fur
There isn鈥檛 a miracle solution for avoiding sap sticking to your dog鈥檚 fur. Keeping the hair around the paws trimmed short means big globs are less likely to get attached.
If you have a sap-producing tree in your yard, you could also try fencing off the area immediately around it during peak sticky season.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.