Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Finding blackberries
• Part 2 of 3: Removing a burr
• Part 3 of 3: Preventing blackberries

After a walk or a day of running around in a field, dogs often have blackberries in their coats. It can be several burrs the size of a pin or a few large burrs. Regardless of size, they can be difficult to remove and cause pain to the dog. So you have to take the time to learn how to get rid of them without hurting your dog.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Finding blackberries

1. Identify what a burr looks like. A blackberry is a seed with hooks or spines on it. These hooks or spines are shaped so that they stick to the fur of passing animals, so that the seeds are spread. Blackberries come in all shapes and sizes, but they are all seeds that stick to animals.
   • Plant spikes are similar to blackberries, except they are brush-shaped and the seeds are shaped like a fishhook. Both spikes and blackberries catch on animals and the process to remove them is the same. However, in the case of spikes, the seeds can work their way into the dog's skin causing pain, infection and, in the worst cases, death.
2. Look for burrs on your dog's body. Both blackberries and spikes can snag anywhere on your dog's body. If your dog is running in an overgrown, grassy or wooded area, check the following areas carefully:
   • Ear flaps
   • Nose
   • Eyes
   • Armpits
   • Under the tail
   • Between each toe and the pads
3. Be especially vigilant when looking for blackberries towards the end of the growing season. This is the most dangerous period for blackberries and ears, as this is the time when plants dry out and can start to lose seed pods. During this time of the year it is good to brush your dog daily to remove any burrs.

Part 2 of 3: Removing a burr

1. Remove visible burrs. Use your fingers to remove any visible burrs and spikes from the surface of your dog's coat. Be very careful, remember that your dog may not like it when you pull its coat.
   • Try to remove the burrs by loosening the fur around it with your fingers.
   • You may need to wear gloves to avoid getting stung, especially with the tougher, spiky burrs.
2. Comb the dog. Use a coarse metal comb or fork comb. Work the comb under any visible burrs and gently pull them out. This works best with loosely clinging or single burrs and spikes.
   • If the burr or spike is badly buried, you can start at the end of the burdock and work your way inward.
3. Break stubborn blackberries into pieces. You can use pliers to crush the head of the blackberry to break it into smaller pieces. This should make it easier to remove the burr.
   • Watch out for your fingers and your dog's skin while trying this. You don't want to squeeze either of the two.
4. Cut out stubborn blackberries. Sometimes the blackberries need to be shaved or trimmed, especially in long-haired dogs whose undercoat is severely tangled. This must be done very carefully as the skin can be burned by a hot razor head and cut by sharp scissors.
   • A good way to do this is to work a comb under the burdock and then trim or shave above the comb. This helps to protect the skin from injury.
   • If you are in doubt about cutting the blackberries from the coat yourself, have it done at a dog salon.There one should be experienced in cutting the fur of dogs safely.

Part 3 of 3: Preventing blackberries

1. Keep your dog out of areas with lots of plants and tall grass. When you go for a walk, keep your dog on a leash so that he cannot run in fields with blackberries or weeds. This is particularly important at the end of the growing season, when the seeds are ready to fall off the plant.
2. Make sure your dog does not inhale the blackberries or spikes. Especially dangerous are spikes that get into your dog's nose or mouth when he runs through plants with spikes. During breathing, the ears can be inhaled or swallowed. The ears then catch on tissue in the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract, just as it does in the coat, which can lead to serious injury and even death.
   • There are mesh caps that can be attached to the collar to keep ears and burrs away from all over the face.
   • If you suspect an internal spike, contact the vet as soon as possible. Your dog must be examined by a professional. It is almost impossible to find spikes with regular tools (ultrasound and X-ray), making it difficult to diagnose and treat. The only symptoms are foaming and general ill health.
3. Protect your pet. Pet stores and hunting stores also typically have protective dog jackets that prevent blackberries and spikes from reaching the protected area. If you cannot keep the dog out of areas of vegetation and tall grass, such as if your dog is a hunting dog, invest in protective gear for your dog.
   • Dog shoes are also available, but many dogs don't like these, especially when trying to run.