Avoid These Sticky (Dog) Situations

How to Deal with the Things Your Dog Rolls In

Dogs love to roll. It’s what they do best. However, sometimes they roll into some sticky situations. Gum, motor oil, another dog’s ‘you know what,’ burs, and that thing you simply can’t explain that just smells awful. Sure, it happens. But before you try that home remedy to remove whatever it might be, you’ll want to read this. As a new puppy owner, there’s so much to learn and so little time. We’ve identified the stickiest situations that dogs get into and how to handle them:

1. Gummed up Pup

If you have kids, it’s likely that gum will eventually find its way onto your dog. The good news is that there are simple solutions to ridding your dog of this gummy dilemma.

• Use ice to harden the gum. Then try breaking it apart.
• Grab some peanut butter with your fingers and massage it into the fur around the gum to loosen it.
• When all is said and done, give your pup a gentle bath. Unless you’re nuts about the smell of a peanut buttery dog.

2. Oil Never Do That Again

You know the drill. Dogs will roll in anything—even that puddle of motor oil in the garage you planned to do something about tomorrow. Greasy situations are common, but unless your dog has consumed it or gotten it in their eyes, there’s no reason to panic.

• Apply baby powder. Use it on the affected area to absorb the oil. Then bathe your dog outside after 20 to 30 minutes.
• Bathe and brush. Once the baby powder has done its job, bathe your dog. Consider an Oatmeal Shampoo, which is designed to moisture and soothe itchy or irritated skin. Finish off with a nice brushing to remove damaged or excess fur.

3. Waste Not, Want Not

It’s happened to the best of us. You’re enjoying a nice day outside and a foul smell catches your attention. You turn and realize it’s your dog. If your dog rolled in their or another dog’s droppings, just remember that it’s only temporary:

• Grab the wipes. Get some wet paper towels. Or, if you have a container of pet wipes, even better. Gently blot the area to remove without spreading it around.
• If the problem is too big to handle with wipes, carefully bring your dog to an easy-to-clean area outside and use buckets of warm water, or a hose. Consider using a puppy shampoo that is formulated to be gentle on their eyes and skin.
• Wash your hands. Enough said.

4. Burdensome Burs

Most dogs love to run, jump, eat, and explore the great outdoors. And when they do, there’s a good chance they’ll eventually bring some nature back with them. If your dog is prone to adventuring into the brush, this one’s for you:

• Handle with care. Try removing burs by hand, but be careful not to startle or hurt your dog in the process.
• Detangle mats. Start by gently pulling the mats apart with your fingers then finish off a dematting comb to smooth out the situation once and for all.

Dog parenting can be fun, but we also know it can be a handful. Have some dog or puppy parenting advice to share? Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter and let us know.