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With plenty of space to run around, it’s all fun and games for dogs when they head into the great outdoors. That is, until our furry friends brush up against trees and get sap stuck in their fur.
So what are the chances of your pooch getting into a (literal) sticky situation? “I do not find that particular breeds are more prone to getting sap stuck in the fur,” reveals Molly Bissantz, professional dog groomer and owner of Grooming By Molly in Boise, Idaho.
Instead, she continues, it typically depends more on a dog’s lifestyle and surrounding environment. “For example, an active dog that goes hiking frequently will be more likely to get sap stuck to their pads than dogs that live a more sedentary lifestyle. It also depends on where the dog lives — some climates have trees that produce more sap.”
Gooey tree sap can be frustrating enough to get off human mitts, let alone the fine strands of dogs’ fur. However, removing this sticky substance from your pooch’s mane is possible — you just need the correct tools and approach.
Is there sap on your dog’s head? Before starting, note where the sap is. If it’s near your pooch’s eyes or ears, “it is best to have it removed by professionals (groomers or veterinarians),” says Bissantz. This will help avoid accidentally causing injury in these areas.
Gather The Right Supplies
You wouldn’t start a recipe without the proper kitchen utensils and ingredients lined up, and it’s just as essential to ensure you have all you need before tackling sap.
The supplies are all easily obtainable from your local pet store or supermarket and include:
- Hairdryer — to soften any hardened sap.
- Oil — to help loosen and detach the sap from the coat.
- Comb — to gently ease sap out of the fur.
- Scissors — to trim any stubborn sap that won’t come free.
- Dog shampoo — to clean away oil residue and loose hair.
- Towel — to dry your pooch off when you’re finished.
- Dog treats — to help distract your canine and keep them calm.
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Find A Way To Soften The Sap
Any hardened sap will be almost impossible to remove without cutting — so you’ll need to ensure it’s softened up. Soft sap is more malleable and easier for oils to tackle (more on these next).
To re-soften solidified sap, gently point a hairdryer at the area to apply heat. Make sure you keep it on the lowest setting and don’t hold it too close, or you might accidentally scald your dog’s skin.
Use An Oil
Oils help break down the sap and loosen its molecules for easier removal. However, not all oils are suitable — so be careful with your choice.
Avoid synthetic oils, states Bissantz, along with “mineral oil, WD-40, hand sanitizer, and alcohol wipes. The risk of causing a medical emergency [by using these] far outways trying to save the fur.”
Instead, she recommends trying olive oil, jojoba oil, or vegetable oil. “Castor oil by itself can also be used,” Bissantz says, “just don’t let your dog ingest this.”
Another winner? “I was able to successfully remove a small amount of sap from the pad with Warren London’s Paw and Nose Revitalizer oil,” she reveals.
Some pet owners use peanut butter to help remove sticky residues but, as Bissantz muses, “getting a dog to ignore peanut butter so it can be rubbed into the sap will be another challenge in itself!”
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Methodically Work The Sap Out
Next, gently grasp the area between your thumb and forefingers and rub them together to aid in loosening the sap.
At this point, a comb or brush is also worth using to help separate the fur and aid your hands in easing out the sap. A wide-toothed comb is a good option, as it will create less resistance.
No matter how much the sap puts up a fight, don’t be tempted to pull and tug. Not only can this be uncomfortable or painful for your pup, but it could end up removing the fur and leaving a bald spot.
Depending on the amount of sap and how sticky it is, you may find it takes several attempts of applying oil and gently rubbing to get it all out.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Scissors
If there’s any sap that won’t budge, “scissors are okay to use to cut [it] out,” states Bissantz. There’s no denying that snipping will leave a gap in the fur, but don’t fret: “this will be fixed when the coat grows,” she adds.
One way to avoid a (temporary) gap in the fur is to grab a pair of thinning shears instead. Using these means “you can cut twice and then pull the sap out without creating a huge gap in the coat,” Bissantz explains.
However, there are some instances where scissors aren’t suitable.
“If the sap is super close or even stuck to the skin, I highly recommend seeking professional help to remove it because of the high risk of cutting the skin and causing infections,” she states. “Scissors, if used improperly, can lead to deep and serious wounds.”
Give Your Dog A Bath
Once the sap is out, the hard work is over! But there will be a mix of oil and sap residue left in the fur (and oil left on the skin can potentially cause irritation), so it’s time to give your dog a good scrub down in the bath.
Your dog’s coat and skin have already been through plenty of rubbing and tugging, so consider using a dog shampoo for sensitive skin to give it a dose of TLC.
While using a household cleaner might seem a good idea (after all, they’re designed to remove the toughest greases and residues), avoid them at all costs. They typically contain chemicals that can be dangerous to dogs, with some even containing petroleum-based ingredients or PCP — a type of disinfectant particularly toxic to our canine pals.
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Pay Special Attention To The Paws
Sap caught in the nooks and crevices of paws can be particularly tricky to deal with. However, it’s essential to remove it from this area.
“When sap gets stuck to the paws or pads, it will cause irritation to the dog and cause them to obsessively lick and chew, which leads to tangles and matting,” shares Bissantz. “This becomes painful and more irritating to the dog, so licking and chewing will become more and more persistent.”
She adds that this vicious cycle of licking and chewing of the paws also increases the risk of infection.
At times such as these, it might be worth taking your dog to a professional groomer for a helping hand. They’ll know the best tactics for harder-to-reach spots and be aware of any sensitive points.
Bissantz’s best tip for paw parents? Prevent sap from sticking to the feet and pads in the first place. “Know when the trees begin to produce sap and when they stop,” she says — and “avoid walking under trees that are seeping with sap.”
You could also consider buying your dog a cute pair of booties to keep their paws sap-free.
iStock/Edwin Tan
Look Out For Toxic Sap
Some types of sap can be toxic to dogs, so it’s vital to ensure your canine doesn’t lick their fur if there’s residue. This includes any soapy bubbles as you wash the sap off!
“Species that have sap that is considered toxic include Christmas trees (pine), poinsettia, and jessamine,” reveals Dr Benjamin Howitt, International Veterinary Manager at the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS). However, he adds, “these may be the most clinically relevant in the veterinary sphere, but the list of toxic sap is not limited to these.”
As such, if you think your dog has ingested any sap, it’s key to seek professional guidance. “Identify the plant or tree (or record it with a photo), then call your veterinarian for further advice,” Howitt recommends. “They will gauge the risk and determine whether this can be managed at home or if they would prefer a consultation.”
You might be unaware if your dog has eaten sap, but some signs and symptoms can indicate this may have occurred.
“The most common immediate indicator is salivation. This may then progress to nausea shown as lip-smacking, before ultimately vomiting or diarrhea,” reveals Howitt. He notes that symptoms can vary in severity and depend on the size of your dog, the type of tree sap, and the amount ingested.
Sap — particularly sticky and milky varieties — can also lead to matting, “which may cause discomfort and dermatitis localized to that area,” Howitt adds.
Closely Examine Your Pet’s Coat
You’ll likely take a good look at your dog’s fur once you finish the cleaning process, but conduct a few thorough checks over the following days, too. There may be some missed or hidden sap.
Furthermore, leftover dried sap, particularly on the skin, creates “a pulling/irritating sensation to the dog, which can lead to obsessive behavior to remove it and increased likelihood of skin infections,” Bissantz shares.
Takeaway
It’s easy for dogs to get tree sap stuck in their fur or paws when playing or exploring. However, some types of sap are toxic to dogs if eaten or can lead to dermatitis if left on the coat and skin, so it’s important to ensure it’s all removed.
While it can be tricky to get rid of, it’s not impossible — so don’t panic. All you need is the correct tools and patience, along with the assistance of a dog groomer or vet if necessary. Good luck!
