How to Get Chewing Gum Out of a Dog's Fur

Chewing gum is an icky, sticky mess when it gets stuck in a dog's fur, and there is no easy way to get it out. A few common household substances can be applied to the dog's fur to help remove the gum. If all else fails, you may need to clip that portion of the dog's fur.

Peanut Butter and Oils

Peanut butter contains a lot of peanut oil, and peanut oil dissolves chewing gum. Vegetable and olive oils can also dissolve chewing gum. Massage a liberal amount of peanut butter, vegetable oil or olive oil into the area of fur where the chewing gum is stuck until the gum loosens. After you remove the gum, use warm water and shampoo to wash the fur and remove the peanut butter.

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly may also effectively break up sticky substances in a dog's fur. Work a dollop of petroleum jelly into the fur containing the chewing gum. Use a clean rag to wipe away chunks of gum, and repeat as necessary until no gum remains. Clean the area with a degreasing shampoo for dogs after the gum is removed to remove the petroleum jelly.

Ice Cubes and Pet Clippers

If all else fails, the one way that is guaranteed to remove every bit of chewing gum from a dog's fur is to remove the fur that contains the chewing gum with pet clippers. The best way to do this is to apply ice to the gum to remove the stickiness, then gently clip the fur.

Warnings

  • To avoid injuring your dog, do not use scissors to cut the fur; only use clippers designed for use with pets.

    Do not use paint thinners, turpentine or gasoline to remove sticky substances; these products can cause chemical burns to the skin, as well as the mouth and tongue if a dog licks the affected area.