It can sometimes feel like an impossible task to get tree sap out of a dog’s hair

Tree sap is probably one of the worst things to get on a dog. It’s sticky, it’s smelly, and it’s just an overall pain to clean off. However, if you’ve got a dedicated pet parent at home, you’ve probably gotten tree sap into your dog’s hair or even your own clothing at one point or another. Don’t fret! We’ll show you some simple techniques for getting tree sap out of your dog’s hair.

Five methods for removing tree sap from dog hair

Removing sap from your dog’s fur can be difficult, especially if it has hardened. The sap can make your dog uncomfortable and irritate their skin, so remove it as soon as possible. Below are five methods with step-by-step guides to getting rid of that pesky sap!

1. Use olive oil to remove tree sap from dog hair

Olive oil is the easiest way to remove tree sap from dog fur. It’s also one of the most effective methods. Here’s how to remove tree sap from a dog’s hair using olive oil. 

You will need:

• Olive Oil
• Dog Shampoo

Here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Make sure the dog has been outside for at least 10 minutes so he doesn’t get too cold when his coat is being washed or rinsed.
2. Gently massage the affected area with olive oil until the sap begins to disappear and come off of his coat. This should take about five minutes or so.
3. If there is still a significant amount of sap left on his fur after rubbing with olive oil, you may have to repeat this process once more.
4. Wash and rinse as normal with dog shampoo.

2. Remove tree sap from dog hair using baby oil and rubbing alcohol 

Thanks to a tree, your dog may have gotten into a sticky situation, but this guide will help remove the sap from his fur. The process is simple, and all you need are a few household items, some patience, and plenty of love for your pup. Here is how to remove tree sap from dog hair using baby oil and rubbing alcohol.

You will need:

• Rubbing Alcohol
• Metal-Toothed Comb
• Baby Oil

Here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Comb the dog’s hair. Remove any sap by combing the dog’s hair with a metal-toothed comb or a flea comb. Take care not to pull on matted fur as you remove the sap.
2. Apply baby oil. If there are large clumps of sap in your dog’s fur, cover them with baby oil to help soften the sap. Allow the oil to sit on the hair for five minutes before continuing.
3. Soak a washcloth in rubbing alcohol. Soak a washcloth in rubbing alcohol so that it is completely saturated, then squeeze out most of the liquid so that it isn’t dripping wet. 

Rubbing alcohol can dry out your dog’s skin if left on too long, so be sure not to leave it on for more than five minutes at a time. Rubbing alcohol can also be caustic if ingested, so keep an eye on your pooch during this process and never leave him unattended while the alcohol is in your dog’s hair. 

3. Use peanut butter to remove tree sap from dog hair

Tree sap gets on your dog’s fur and can cause a sticky mess. It may also cause irritated skin and cause your dog to lick or bite the area. Peanut butter is an excellent way to remove tree sap from your dog’s hair. The oils in peanut butter break down the tree sap, allowing you to brush out the sticky substance.

You will need:

• Peanut Butter
• Dog Brush

Here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Rub peanut butter into your dog’s hair to loosen the tree sap. Use enough peanut butter to cover all of the affected areas thoroughly.
2. Allow the peanut butter to sit for 10 minutes. This allows the oils in the peanut butter to soak into the tree sap and break it down.
3. Brush your dog with a firm bristle brush to remove the tree sap and peanut butter from his fur. Work from top to bottom so you don’t push any loose hair back up onto your dog’s body while brushing him.
4. Rinse your dog’s coat thoroughly with warm water once all of the sap is brushed out of his fur.

4. Remove tree sap from dog hair using vodka

There’s a super-easy way to remove tree sap from your dog – using vodka (or another alcoholic beverage, if you prefer)! Blot and then pour over the hair until the sap is gone. No need to apply soap or shampoo, which will just strip the natural oils from your pet’s fur.

You will need:

• A Small Spray Bottle
• 1 Cups Of Vodka
• 2 Cups Of Water
• A Small Towel Or Paper Towels

Here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Fill the spray bottle with equal parts vodka and water and shake well. If you have stubborn spots, add more vodka and less water.
2. Spray the coat thoroughly with the solution and let sit for five minutes.
3. Use your hands to rub the solution into your dog’s coat, working it into their skin. Be careful near their eyes as vodka can sting.
4. Use a towel or paper towels to blot up as much of the solution as possible. Leave it on if it is a particularly stubborn spot and repeat steps 3-5 until tree sap is completely removed. 

Don’t forget to treat any areas around your dog’s face where tree sap may have gotten onto their fur!

5. Use scissors or clippers to remove tree sap from dog hair

If your dog gets sap on her fur, you may be able to simply rub it off with your finger or comb it out. Unfortunately, as the tree sap dries and hardens, it can become much more difficult to remove. In some cases, your best option is to cut the sap-covered fur off. Here’s how to remove tree sap by cutting your dog’s hair. 

You will need:

• Dog Shampoo
• Scissors or Clippers

Here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Cut long dog hair if the sap won’t come out. If you have a long-haired breed of dog, there’s a good chance the tree sap will get matted in her hair. The hair will be difficult to comb out and may become uncomfortable for your dog.
2. Use scissors or clippers to trim off the sap-coated fur. Be careful not to cut into your dog’s skin as you trim off her matted fur. This will also help keep the rest of your dog’s fur from getting in the way when you try to remove any remaining tree sap.
3. Prepare the area you’ll be working in and lay down a towel so your dog has something soft to lie on.
4. Comb through the affected areas of your pet’s fur with a wide-tooth comb or brush, working from the ends of the hair toward the skin. This will help remove any large pieces of sap and make the rest easier to get out.
5. Next, give your dog a bath. Use a mild pet shampoo in the bathtub and add some warm water. You can also use baby shampoo; this is gentle enough for puppies and kittens as well as adult pets.
6. Wet your dog thoroughly with water before applying any shampoo. Use long, gentle strokes along her body from head to tail, rather than scrubbing back and forth. Pour the warm water over her body and gently massage the shampoo into her fur with your fingertips.
7. Work it in until you have a good lather going all over her coat. Then rinse well with warm water until no more soap suds come out of her fur when you rub it.
8. Rinse your dog’s fur thoroughly with warm water until all traces of shampoo are removed.

Frequently asked questions about how to get tree sap out of dog hair.