From what I have learned over the years as a dog owner, it gets itself into sticky situations in many instances. Sometimes, sap and sap-filled surroundings become the main issue. The matter must not be taken lightly as it causes a lot of pain to the dog.
Using olive or vegetable oil, small chunks of peanut butter on the sap-affected area of the dog’s short hair is what you need to do to remove the sap. Also, make sure to use only oil-based commercial products.
The sap is the extra debris that consists of small rocks, dirt, as well as pine needles. One can do away with sap by utilizing some items that can be easily found in a common household.
How to Get Sap Out of Short Dog Hair? [All You Need to Do & Consider]
It is of uttermost importance that you start the process correctly or the entire situation can go for a toss. Even your dog is at harm. Thus, to make things easier for you, I have come up with a guide that suggests all the things you need to do in order to get sap out of short dog hair.
Further through the article, you will also be able to find some things that need consideration while the process is ongoing.
Step 1: Soften the Sap
The first thing to take note of is whether the sap around the area has hardened or not. If it has, it is necessary that you soften it. So, how exactly would you do that? Well, for this, I used a hair dryer. Even a pet dryer is handy for this purpose.
Use it on its lowest heat setting. Keep a proper and safe distance between the fur of your dog and the dryer. The air should be warm and not too hot.
If a hair dryer is not the nearest option, then try using different oils or oily products to loosen up the grip of the sap. Olive oil, mineral oil, and even peanut butter act as excellent service providers here.
Massage your choice of product over the sap-affected short hair of the dog and let it seep on it for some time. Another point of concern is that the selected product must be safe for the dog in case it ingests it as they have a tendency to lick that part of the fur.
Step 2: Remove the Sap
After a few minutes, make use of your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. I used the latter to remove the sap out of my dog’s short hair.
For this step of the process, you will have to be very careful as to not pull out too much of their fur. Later, you will want to use either a clean cloth or a paper towel to wipe off the leftover oily stuff.
Step 3: Use Pet-Friendly Scissors If Required
As noticed by me, not all parts of sap would agree to leave easily. In order to get rid of it completely, you can trim them down using a pair of pet-friendly scissors. Use only those scissors that are designed for pets.
If that is not accessible at the moment, you can repeat the above steps until the sap is no longer present or is unnoticeable to the human eye.
Step 4: Wash The Hair
Thoroughly washing the dog with a pet-friendly shampoo will be the last step in the process. Some may not know that there are many dog shampoos in the market that are assuredly used for eliminating large volumes of dirt and sap out of the fur.
Some shampoos need more than one turn to get all the patches of debris out of the fur while some require washing the area only once.
Even after multiple rounds of shampooing, if there is still some amount of sap, then a groomer can help you.
These trained professionals have the benefit of using effective cleaning products that are not only safe but do the job with ease. They can thin out the section where the sap refuses to leave easily!
Commercial Products for Sap Removal
You can find several products easily in every local pet store to get sap out of your dog’s short hair.
One benefit of choosing a commercial pet product for sap removal is that you know it’s been clinically tested on animals.
Since oil is the most effective element for removing sap, almost all commercial sap-removing products are oil-based. Such articles for sale can be found in the form of cold cream and spray material as well. These products will surely leave your dog’s hair looking polished and soft.
What To Consider While Getting Sap Out of Short Dog Hair?
You should never make use of detergents or household cleaners to take out the sap from your canine companion’s fur. Even though they will work like magic, there is a high possibility that they are not very smooth on delicate skin.
Research suggests that even petroleum products are a good alternative to remove sap. However, avoid using such articles because they are extremely poisonous to pet animals.
Petrol, kerosene, diesel, and fuel give a burning sensation when it is ingested, or inhaled by the dog.
The sap is toxic to dogs and can result in weakness, vomiting, irritation, nausea as well as infections. If you notice any such symptoms that your dog has been experiencing, I suggest you call a vet without any delay.
Related Questions
1. Is Olive Oil Safe For Dogs?
Yes, I can confidently say that olive oil is safe for dogs to consume but only when taken in small quantities. As a matter of fact, it proves to be good for their health.
Not only this but also regular intake of the same will provide the dog with shiny hair that covers its body.
2. How Do You Remove Tree Sap From Dog Hair?
One of the widely-used home remedies to remove tree sap out of short dog hair includes using an oil-based product. For instance, it can be creamy peanut butter. A number of pet parents may opt for a product compatible with the use of pets/dogs which is easily available in pet stores.