How to Remove Tree Sap From Fur

Sticky substances -- such as sap, syrup or gum -- will cause fur to mat together.

Sap is vital for the life of the tree, but it can create a sticky mess when it comes in contact with your pet's fur. Typically, you cannot remove the tree sap by bathing alone. Instead, you have to treat the tree sap beforehand. Treat the tree sap with inexpensive and common household items. After you remove the tree sap, bathe your pet with a pet shampoo or grease-cutting liquid dish soap.

Things You'll Need

• Petroleum jelly
• Mineral oil
• Salad oil

Instructions

1. Rub a liberal amount of petroleum jelly on the tree sap. Continue rubbing for several minutes until the tree sap has softened. Gently pull the softened sap off the fur with your fingers before bathing.

2. Soak the tree sap with mineral oil for 24 hours. Keep the area of the fur matted with the sap damp for the 24 hours before bathing.

3. Massage salad oil -- such as canola or olive -- into the pet's fur to soften the sap. Continue massaging the oil to loosen the sap from the fur for several minutes. Gently pull the sap off the fur. If you meet resistance, continue massaging with more salad oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use solvent -- such as paint thinner, nail polish remover or turpentine -- to remove the sap. The solvents are toxic to pets and can be absorbed through your pet's skin.

References

• Partnership for Animal Welfare: Bathing and Shampooing Your Dog
• Urban Hound: Question
• GDHFA.org: Removing a Sticky Substance from Long Fur