The Best Ways to Get Burrs Off a Miniature Schnauzer

The size and temperament of a miniature schnauzer makes it a good pet choice. Miniature schnauzers have thick, wiry hair on their coat and legs and a softer undercoat. Grooming can be a difficult task, especially if the dog's thick hair becomes matted or if burrs link to the hair. Owners may have to resort to shaving the dog to remove stubborn burrs. For owners who choose not to shave off all of their dog's hair, many effective commercial products detangle hair and help to remove burrs easily without altering the appearance of the dog

  1. Detangling Products

    • Commercial detangling sprays help to untangle hair around burrs. These detangling products come in the form of sprays, lotions and shampoos. Once they are applied on the fur burrs come out easily when the hair is combed or raked.

    Natural Detangling

    • Cornstarch makes an inexpensive product with natural silicone. Spray cornstarch powder on the fur of the miniature schnauzer and rub it into the fur. Leave the cornstarch on the hair for a few minutes, then comb or rake the hair to remove the burrs.

    Conditioner

    • Leave-in conditioners help to detangle a miniature schnauzer's hair. Once the conditioner detangles the burs clinging to the hair, comb the hair to remove the burrs completely. After shampooing, conditioners rubbed into the hair also help to loosen any matted hair.

    Picking

    • Sewing seam rippers pick the hair around the burr gently until stubborn hair untangles and the burrs come out. Use pliers to crush the spikes of the burrs, allowing easier removal from the hair. Toothpicks can also be used to gently pick the hair away from the burr. Rounded toothpicks will not hurt the dog in the event the owner touches the miniature schnauzer's skin while removing the burrs.

    Cutting

    • Snipping the hair clinging to the burrs is a last-resort method of removing burrs. If the burrs do not come out using any other method, use a pair of blunt scissors to cut the burrs clinging to the miniature schnauzer's hair.