How To Get Tar Off Dog Paws

How To Get Tar Off Dog Paws in 5 Easy Steps

We get it! It’s not easy to keep a constant watch over your furry friend. These little munchkins are known for their curiosity, which often gets them into trouble. One minute they’re happily romping around outside, and the next, they come in with black gunk all over their little paws. And then you’re left wondering, how do you get it off? Do you have to visit the grooming salon every time this happens?

Well, the good news is that you don’t have to be a professional groomer or a vet to get the tar off your dog’s paws. In fact, a few things you probably have lying around the house can do the trick. We’re talking about baby oil, vegetal oil, and even Vaseline!

Here’s how to get tar off dog paws the easiest possible way!

Step-by-Step Guide on How To Get Tar Off Dog Paws

How to Remove Tar From Dog's Fur
What To Do If You Find Dried or Old Tar On Your Dog's Paws
  1. Check your dog’s paws for any cuts or wounds. If you find any, proceed with caution and avoid using the following methods. Instead, we recommend you take them to the vet for professional cleaning.
  2. If your dog’s paws are clear of any cuts or wounds, the next step is to choose your removal method. You can go for baby oil, vegetal oil, or Vaseline.
  3. Apply a generous amount of the chosen product to your dog’s paw, or soak the paw in it. Keep it for about 15-20 minutes. This should help loosen the tar.
  4. Use a paper towel or a cloth to wipe it away. You may need to do this a few times to get all the tar off.
  5. Finally, give your dog’s paw a good wash with soap and water. It’ll remove any residue from the product you used and also help keep their paw healthy and clean.

How to Remove Tar From Dog’s Fur?

Getting tar off your dog’s fur is a tad more tricky than removing it from their paws. This is because the tar gets matted in their fur, making it difficult to remove. However, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it.

  1. Start by combing your dog’s fur with a wide-tooth comb. But be gentle and don’t force it. This will help loosen the tar from their fur.
  2. Next, apply some baby oil, vegetal oil, or Vaseline to the affected area.
  3. Massage it well and leave it for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Then, use a paper towel or a cloth to wipe away the tar and give your dog a nice bath.

Keeping Your Dog Put and Calm During The Cleaning Process

Whether it’s simply trimming their nails, brushing their hair, or removing tar from their paws, dogs usually don’t like to sit still for long periods. This is why it’s important to find ways to keep them calm and relaxed during the cleaning process. Here are a few tips on how you can do that:

  • Talk to your dog in a soothing voice and try to distract them with treats or toys.
  • If possible, have someone help you hold your dog while you’re cleaning them.
  • Avoid using forceful methods that might scare your dog or make them anxious.
  • Be patient and take your time. Rushing the process will only make it harder for both of you.
  • If your dog is still struggling, consider taking them to the groomer or vet for professional help.

What Not To Do

Suppose you got tar or any greasy substance on your hands. What would you do? You would probably use mineral spirits or gasoline to get it off, right? Well, the same cannot be applied to your furry friend. Avoid using any of these harsh chemicals as they can be poisonous for them.

You want to start the cleaning process immediately as tar can be very difficult to remove once it’s dry. Moreover, if your dog licks their paw, it can get sick. So, it’s best to take care of it as soon as possible.

Next, don’t make the mistake of starting the cleaning process by washing your dog’s paw with water. Water will only make the tar stick to their fur more. Also, never try to pull the tar off with your bare hands. This can be very painful for your dog and may even cause some injuries.

What To Do If You Find Dried or Old Tar On Your Dog’s Paws?

Firstly, finding completely dried tar on your dog’s paw means it has been sitting there for a while. This can be very dangerous as it can cause infections.

You should also consider the possibility that your dog has probably tried cleaning it off and has most likely ingested some of it. So, it’s best to take your dog to the vet immediately.

Removing Tar Off Dog Paws – Prevention Is Better Than Cure

How To Get Tar Off Dog Paws
Removing Tar Off Dog Paws - Prevention Is Better Than Cure

It’s always better to prevent something from happening than to deal with the consequences later. So, the best way to remove tar off your dog’s paws is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few things you can do to achieve that:

  • Keep your dog away from areas where there’s a lot of tar, such as construction sites or roads being repaired.
  • If you find that the road in your neighborhood is being repaired or resurfaced, keep your dog indoors or on a leash until the work is done.
  • If you’re avoiding going on walks with your dog, try to do some other indoor activities, such as playing fetch or tug of war. This way, they’ll still get their exercise without having to step out.
  • Use paw balms or waxes. Paw balms or waxes create a barrier on your dog’s paw, which helps protect them from tar and other harmful substances.
  • Wipe their paws after every walk
  • Invest in a good pair of dog boots
  • Check your dog’s paw regularly

Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners

I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!

These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.

Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.

Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.

Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.

If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!