If your dog gets tar stuck on its paws, it needs to be removed as quickly as possible.
So how to get tar off dog paws?
Liquid tar and dry tar have different ways of removal. You must safely remove the tar from your pet’s sensitive paw without making a mess. Firstly, scrape off the dry tar. Afterwards, use vegetable oil to remove the residue. In the case of liquid tar, directly use vegetable oil. Then clean tar off the paws of your dog.
Now let’s get into the details.
How to Get Tar off Dog Paws?
Getting liquid and dry tar off your dog’s paws requires different methods. We will go over both of them.
What to Do If It’s Dried Tar?
So your dog stepped on tar, and it has dried off? Here is what you have to do.
Instruments Needed
It’s everything you will need to get started.:
- A trash bag
- A plastic scraper
- 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil/margarine mayonnaise
- A sandwich bag
- A soft cloth
- Baking soda Water
- 1 drop of dish soap
- A towel
- Trimmer
Process
Let’s go right into how to get dry tar off dog paws.
Step 1: Preparations
We recommend removing the tar outdoors if you want to avoid getting tar on other surfaces. Or you can place a plastic garbage bag on the floor inside. But you will need your dog to lie on the bag while you remove it.
It will prevent the tar from spreading to other areas. If you want extra surface area, you may make it by slicing open the garbage bag.
Step 2: Scraping Off The Tar
Remove the tar carefully using a scraper made of plastic. Ensure the scrapper is made of materials that can be quickly discarded or cleaned up after use. Something like a credit card would do, but do not use a credit card for obvious reasons.
You need to avoid pressing the tar more profound into the paw pads. This way, the tar on the paws would be harder to remove.
Start by removing the tar first from the tip of the paws. Then you’ll have to go to the area between the paw pads.
While using the scrapper, do not use too much force, as it might hurt your dog. Or it might just make them more anxious.
Step 3: Using Oil
After removing most tar, massage with 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Message the oil into the residual tar until it is completely covered.
Now place the paw inside a sandwich bag. It will stop your dog from chewing it.
Give the cooking oil time to soak into the paw, preferably throughout the night. If you don’t have vegetable oil, use margarine mayonnaise instead.
Stay with your dog while the paw soaks because these products are more tempting for your dog to consume when the paw is soaking.
Step 4: Cleaning the Paw
Use a dry towel to remove the cooking oil and tar stuck to your dog’s paws. You may get rid of the oil from the paw by giving it good shampooing.
The shampoo can be the one that your dog typically uses. Or you can wash it with dish soap washing solutions.
Rinse the paws of your dog entirely after cleansing. Press your finger more within the paw pads to clear any soapy residue that may have been left behind. Using a cloth or a towel, pat the paw until it is dry.
Step 5: Grooming (If Needed)
Some tar is still stuck in the fur around the paw pad. Tars that have dried out will be more challenging to remove.
To get rid of these tars, you may need to trim or shave the fur that has been affected. You can do it independently if you have previous experience in grooming. Alternatively, you might take your pet to a salon to remove affected fur.
Removing tar from fur is quite different from removing tar from paws. So keep that in mind while doing so.
What to do If It’s Liquid Tar?
Now let’s see how you must remove liquid road tar on dog paws. But first, let’s look at the Instruments needed-
Instruments Needed
Here is what you will need:
- A trash bag
- Vegetable oil/peanut butter
- ½ cup of Baking Soda Water
- 2 tablespoons of Dish soap
- Towel
- A rubber band
Process
With all the things gathered, here is what you have to do.
Step 1: Preparations
The preparations are the same as we went through in the last section.
Step 2: Cleaning The Tar
Since all the tar is now liquid, scraping it is not necessary. Therefore, apply the vegetable oil straight.
It is possible to remove tar using peanut butter as well. After treating the paw with vegetable oil/peanut butter, wash it with soap and baking soda water to remove any residue.
You can make your own DIY soap water solution if you have one handy. All you have to do is mix 2 tablespoons of liquid soap with half a cup of water. Then, stir it well and use it.
Step 3: Cleaning The Paw
The paw should be cleaned in the same manner that we went through in the last section.
Now, some things are crucial for you to remember. First, under no circumstance try to clean tar off your dog with harsh chemicals because the toxins could make your dog sick or cause their paw pads to burn.
The tar should not be removed with excessive water at the beginning. That will make it harder to clean. Water should not be used until after the tar has been removed.
Every bit of tar must be removed as soon as possible. Because, if given the opportunity, dogs would attempt to lick it off themselves whenever they have the chance. And it is quite probable they will end up swallowing it as it’s still liquid.
If you cannot remove the tar immediately, secure a plastic trash bag around the paw. This will keep it clean while you work. Licking the tar won’t be an option for your dog if you do this.
Nevertheless, a rubber band should not be used to secure the bags. Because doing so might prevent blood from flowing to your dog.
How to Calm Your Dog During The Process
In general, dogs do not like sitting still for extended periods. So even if it is for their benefit, they will grow antsy. And they will attempt to move about even if they are not allowed to.
The act of washing itself could be frightening for your dog as well. Therefore, it is of the utmost need that you maintain your dog’s composure during the whole process.
Communicate with your dog in a reassuring tone. And do your best to divert their attention with tasty treats or fun toys. Get the assistance of another person to handle your dog while you groom it.
Always try to avoid employing harsh tactics that might frighten your dog or cause them to become uneasy. Have some patience, and don’t rush things. If you try to rush it, you will make things more difficult for both of you.
If your dog is still having trouble, consider bringing them to the groomer. Or take them to the vet to get some expert assistance.
FAQs
Is tar toxic to dogs?
Tar is toxic to dogs. It includes phenol, which is harmful to dogs. You must prevent your dog from ingesting tar. Get rid of the tar in the shortest amount of time.
What does tar do to dogs?
If swallowed, tar may cause damage to the liver. That can manifest as jaundice-like symptoms, fluid buildup inside the stomach, anaemia, and ultimately death. Pitch, cresol, and phenol are the three toxic components found in tar. Of them, Phenol is the most dangerous toxin.
How long does liquid tar take to dry?
The amount of time needed for liquid tar to dry will vary based on the temperature and relative humidity. However, on average, it takes between two to four days.
Conclusion
With that, we know how to get tar off dog paws, and that liquid and dried tar have different removal procedures.
Follow our guide, and you should face no problems. And if you are having a difficult time, do not be afraid to consult a professional.
