If your dog undergoes surgery or sustains an injury, there’s a chance that they’ll come home from the veterinarian with sticky adhesive bandages covering the incision or injury. While this is good for healing, a problem can arise when it’s time to change the bandages or remove them altogether. Since these adhesive bandages tend to get a firm grip on your pup’s fur, simply tearing them off can cause your dog unnecessary pain, and it can be tricky knowing how to remove them without using harsh chemicals.
So how do you effectively remove your dog’s adhesive bandages in a safe yet effective way? Luckily, there are several natural ways to remove the bandages, as well as the sticky residue they leave behind.
Cooking Oils
Oil is an effective way to break down the adhesive that makes the bandage stick to your dog’s fur. Using an oil you already have in your pantry is a surefire way to make sure it’s safe for your pup – if you can eat it, it’s got the green light. Apply a few drops of olive, vegetable, coconut, or sesame oil to the top of the bandage, and allow a few minutes for it to soak through and start breaking down the adhesive. Then slowly and gently peel one edge of the bandage away from your dog’s fur, then move on to the other side. Go slowly and work the bandage little by little out of the fur. If it isn’t coming off easily, apply more oil, wait another few minutes, then try again. This method should also remove the sticky adhesive from your dog’s fur.
Doggy Shampoo
If your dog’s incision or injury is completely healed, you can try washing the bandage and the adhesive off your dog – just make sure your veterinarian gives you the go-ahead to get your pup’s skin wet. Your regular doggy shampoo should do the trick of detaching the bandages from their fur painlessly.
Natural Detergents
A natural laundry detergent is a good option for removing the glue residue that can be left on your pup’s fur after removing the bandages – just make sure it has all-natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals that could irritate your dog’s skin. Place a small dab of detergent on a soft sponge, gently rub it into your pup’s skin, and then rinse the area thoroughly. If you know your dog has sensitive skin, stick with another method.
Petroleum Jelly
You can also try using petroleum jelly to soften the adhesive. Smear a generous amount over the sticky spots on your pup’s fur, leave it on for a few minutes, then bathe your dog using their regular shampoo to rinse away the greasiness. Avoid letting your dog lick the petroleum jelly while your smear.
Professional Grooming
Some adhesives can be particularly stubborn, and if you try all the methods above and are still having trouble, make an appointment with a professional groomer. A groomer can expertly clip the bandage and its sticky residue off your dog’s fur without nicking the skin. This is a much safer option than trying to cut the bandage off yourself, which could result in yet another open wound that needs bandaging.
Home Remedies to Avoid
Many of the typical home remedies you might use to remove sticky residue from your skin or any other surface may be dangerous to use on your dog. Avoid rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, WD-40, Goo-Gone, peroxide, and cold cream, which can be poisonous to your pup.
Keep in mind that different methods will work for different types of adhesive, so try one and if it’s unsuccessful, move on to the next. Be patient and avoid cutting corners by using harsh chemicals – your pup’s skin and coat will thank you.
