How to Prevent Cockleburs in Hunting Dogs

Cockleburs are a seed pod encased in a sticker shell. These stickers include hooked ends that cause the pod or bur to attach itself to any fabric or fur item it comes in contact with. This means the troublesome burs become a problem to dogs and people alike. Preventing cockleburs in hunting dogs is difficult and may be impossible in some hunting situations.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog vest
  • Coarse dog brush
  • Vegetable oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid areas of cover that contain cocklebur plants. The dry seeds are usually visible on extended plant stems that may be above other vegetation. However, the same vegetative cover that contains cockleburs may provide the best hunting.

    • 2

      Keep the dog's coat trimmed short. This may prevent a few burs from sticking to his coat, but more importantly, it makes removal of the burs easier.

    • 3

      Place the dog in a dog vest or coat. These protect the chest area and sides from bur infestation. The legs, head, neck and shoulders are still exposed to burs, but cockleburs in these areas pose less of a danger of causing skin punctures compared to burs on the chest or near the joints of the legs.