How to Remove Burs in Hunting Dogs

A big headache for any pet owner is burs in her pet's fur. But hunting dogs have it worse -- they go through brush and naturally pick up burs that in longer-coated dogs snarl and tangle the fur. Even in shorter-coated dogs, burs and grass awns can bury deep into the fur and even into the skin, causing painful abscesses and skin irritations.
It's important to get the burs and awns out as soon as you get home.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine-toothed metal comb
  • Slicker brush
  • Vegetable oil
  • Paper towels
  • Tweezers
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Dog shampoo
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your dog's fur all over with the slicker brush to remove any loose burs from the hair. In most cases the burrs that aren't imbedded or tangled will come right out with a little brushing. Avoid any areas where the burrs don't readily come out.

    • 2

      Comb your dog with the fine-toothed comb. With most burs, a comb will pull them right out. However, if you have a particularly stubborn burr, skip it now.

    • 3

      Pour vegetable oil on your fingers and work the oil into the stubborn burs and surrounding hair. The vegetable oil helps soften the stickers and make the fur slick so the burs can be removed more easily. Use paper towels to wipe up the excess.

    • 4

      Comb the burs out gently, using your fingers to pull the bur away from the hair.

    • 5

      Check your dog's feet for burs, especially between the toes, and remove. If they're stubborn, put a bit of vegetable oil on them and work them with your hands until they come out.

    • 6

      Give your dog a bath to remove the vegetable oil.

    • 7

      Look for foxtails and other stickers in the skin. Foxtails or grass awns have a sharp barb on one end and several spiky bristles on the other. They can burrow quickly into your dog's skin.

    • 8

      If you find a foxtail or other sticker, use tweezers to pull it straight out, making sure you didn't leave any of the plant matter behind. (If you do, consult a veterinarian).

    • 9

      Apply antibiotic ointment to the site and watch it to be sure it does not get infected (redness, swelling, oozing). If it does, take your dog to a veterinarian.