How do I get pine sap out of my dog's fur?

Question

My dog is primarily an outside dog. He has a vet visit coming up and I would like to get the pine sap out of his fur. How can I do this without trimming his hair. (I think I might actaully have to do this anyway, but any alternatives are welcome.)

Answer 1

Trimming is the easiest. You can use nail polish remover, but it really takes too long and doesn't always do the trick.
We have the same problem and usually trim it out.

Tried Baby Oil. Might take out FRESH sap, but not the old hard sap. If it does, we gave up WAY too early because after half an hour of trying, it was making NO dent. Left the dog greasy though.
Greasy AND sappy......no good.

You do not let them EAT the nail polish remover...DUH!!!!!!!!!!

You use it on the spots. There is not much residue at all. IT comes off with the sap. You just use a cotton ball damp with it.
JEEZ.........sometimes people have to use common sense!

And salad oil is the SAME as using the baby oil. Does not work on the old crusty sap. Maybe fresh, but then you would have to see it when it got on them...hard sometimes!!!!!!!! Leaves the dog greasy too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peanut Butter is the same thing...TRIED THAT TOO!!! People need to understand that the sap is not really sticky after it hardens. then it is just a hard mass of sap. The only way to get it out is to dissolve it or trim it.

Answer 2

The salad oil DOES work but not on really old pine sap. I breed dogs and run into this problem sometimes and recently started a job at a dog grooming facitlity where I encounter it A LOT.

At the groomers we use what is called a Coat Degreaser; you work it into the old pine tar where it gets stickish again and then gunk it into the stuff and then shampoo it out; it takes a lot of patience though. I did ask the owner other alternatives for myself to use and she suggested taking Baby Shampoo and working it onto the spot and then GENTLY pulling on the sap with a washcloth and continuing to rub the shampoo in; then pour the conditioner onto the mat also.

You may want to try the salad oil; I think the peanut butter makes a mess; but as you said depending on the amount of pine sap you may still have to trim it out.

Also if you happen to have any lye soap works great!

Answer 3

Please don't use nail polish remover. It can burn your pet's skin and cause toxicities.

The following article was composed from posts written by Ellen Morris.

To remove sap, tar, paint, chewing gum or other sticky things from your dog's coat, there is nothing that beats salad oil! Using a a small dish or a cotton ball, thoroughly soak the area with the oil. Work the oil into the sticky or hard place with your fingers. Blot off the excess oil with a paper towel, and wash the area with dog shampoo. Repeat this procedure if there is anything left in the fur. Don't let your dog walk around the house until you shampoo the area, otherwise you will be cleaning up oily smears and foot prints from everywhere you don't want them.

Peanut butter can work just as well as salad oil (but don't use those low fat versions!).

You should never try cleaning your dog's fur with acetone, paint remover or paint thinner. It is highly toxic and can do permanent liver or kidney damage. Salad oil and peanut butter works very effectively and if (or should I say when) our adorable Labradors lick the area, they will be ingesting something that is good for them, instead of being toxic.

Answer 4

I agree with Bozema. We live on a 100 plus acre Christmas tree farm. The only thing that will take off pine tar/sap is rubbing alcohol. I have a 4 year old bloodhound, we use the alcohol, an undercoat comb, then follow by a conditioning bath. We use it on ourselves as well, during the "choose and cut" tree season.

Answer 5

baby oil will take out sap, and then you can use a light shampoo to get the baby oil out. You'll have a fresh dog with a luxurious coat. : )

Answer 6

You mean besides a mericle? No chance. I'd say just get it over with and cut the worst of it our and as your dog sheds the rest will come out.