How to Remove Thorns From a Dog's Skin

Run your hands over the dog before brushing, to feel if there are any thorns or burrs collected during the walk. Brushing over the thorn could cause it to fasten itself deeper in the dog's skin, or to tear the skin.

Remove thorns caught in the dog's coat by gently separating the hair around them. With long-haired dogs this can be challenging, as the hair may have matted around the thorn and created a knot.

Trim the hair around the thorn with a pair of tiny nail scissors. When you can see the thorn fully, use a pair of tweezers to pull it out.

Examine the skin where the thorn was to determine if there are any tips left behind, and use a pair of tweezers to remove any remaining pieces. If the tip of the thorn is embedded in the skin, use a needle to gently pry one end of it loose, and then pull it out with the tweezers.

Check the size and depth of the wound left by the thorn and decide whether the dog requires stitches and a visit to the veterinarian. A good rule of thumb is if the tear is less than an inch in length it can probably be treated successfully at home.

Clean the wound with an astringent such as aloe vera or witch hazel. Warm soapy water with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in it is a good alternative if you don't have anything else available.

Apply some antiseptic cream such as Betadine or an herbal treatment like Calendula cream. These will help to keep infection away and promote healing. Cover thorn wounds on the dog's paws with gauze and a bandage, to keep the dirt out.

Make sure the dog can't reach to lick off the cream. You may need to fit an Elizabethan collar. This is a band of stiff cardboard or plastic fastened to the dog's regular collar that makes a cone around its head, preventing it from being able to reach other parts of its body.

Keep a close eye on the thorn wound and clean it twice daily for the first few days. If you see any signs of inflammation or infection, take the dog to your veterinarian as it may need antibiotics.