Even a brief romp outside can mean hours of tedious work removing burrs from your dog's coat. There's no magic shortcut; it takes time and patience, both on your part and your pet's. Tend to burrs promptly, though, as they cause matting that irritatingly pulls on your dog's hair and skin.
Round One
Start by combing out the loosest burrs and those closest to the surface of your dog's fur. Use a metal or hard-wire comb, not a brush. With your free hand, press the base of the hairs you're combing to avoid pulling them and causing your dog discomfort. Offer reassuring words, praise and an occasional treat to keep your pet cooperative.
Round Two
Some burrs in your dog's coat will probably be entwined in mats, which develop around the sticky seeds. Use your fingers or the end of the comb to gently pull mats apart, then comb the burrs out. Remember to put your hand over the base of the matted area so you don't pull your dog's hair. Lubricate hair in problem areas to facilitate burr removal by applying a little vegetable oil with your fingers.
Round Three
Sometimes, you just can't get all the burrs out. Rather than spend hours working the stubborn ones and exhausting your dog's patience, see your groomer. A professional groomer can cut the hair where burrs are too matted in. It's always safer in such instances to let a professional handle the potentially dangerous scissor work.
References
Writer Bio
Eric Mohrman has been a freelance writer since 2007, focusing on travel, food and lifestyle stories. His creative writing is also widely published. He lives in Orlando, Florida.