Burrs & Brambles Removal: Safe Techniques for Kent Country Walks (UK Guide 2025)
Folkestone Groomers Team
30 September 2025
5 min read
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Quick Answer
To safely remove burrs from your dog’s coat, gently break them apart with your fingers, apply a small amount of edible oil (such as coconut or olive oil) to lubricate the area, and tease out the debris with a wide-tooth or rotating-tooth comb while keeping your hand between the skin and the burr.Never use scissors near the skin; if the burr is too close, trim with clippers or seek professional help. Grass awns (foxtails) are more dangerous and can penetrate skin or enter ears, eyes, or nose—contact your vet immediately if you suspect an awn is embedded or migrating. 12
Burrs vs. Grass Awns: Key Differences & Risks
Burrs (from brambles and similar plants) are prickly seed pods that tangle in fur and form sticky clusters, especially on feathery leg furnishings and ear fringes. They are usually surface-level and can be teased out with patience and light lubrication.
Grass awns (foxtails) are different and more dangerous. Their arrow-shaped tips can penetrate skin and migrate through the body, entering ears, eyes, paws, and noses. Awns can cause painful infections and abscesses and often require veterinary removal. 32
If you suspect an awn has entered the skin or an orifice (persistent paw licking, sudden ear shaking, sneezing, squinting, or a painful lump), do not attempt removal at home—seek a vet the same day. 3
High-Risk Dogs & Where Burrs Hide
Breeds with feathering and dense or curly coats are most at risk—Spaniels, Setters, Collies, Poodles and Doodles, and double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers. Active countryside walkers and dogs that frequent scrub, hedgerows, and overgrown paths pick up burrs easily.
Check common trap points: armpits, groin, tail, ear fringes, between toes, under the collar or harness, and the feathering along legs and belly. Work methodically from head to tail after each walk. 1
Step-by-Step: Safe Burr Removal at Home
Stabilise the coat: Place your hand between the skin and the burr to protect the skin.
Break up the burr: Crumble or split burrs gently with your fingers to reduce bulk.
Lubricate: Dab a tiny amount of coconut or olive oil; massage through the burr and surrounding hair to reduce friction. 1
Comb out: Use a wide-tooth or rotating-tooth comb from tip to root, advancing gradually. Switch to a slicker brush for the final fluff-through.
Avoid scissors at skin level: If hair must be removed, use guarded clippers or consult a professional groomer.
Pause if the dog resists: Re-lubricate, take breaks, and change tools to prevent tugging and bruising.
First-Aid for Minor Skin Nicks
If you notice a superficial skin nick or redness after burr removal: rinse with lukewarm saline (1 tsp salt in 500 ml boiled, cooled water), pat dry, then dab with very dilute chlorhexidine (around 0.05%) once or twice daily for 2–3 days. Avoid hydrogen peroxide or harsh spirits. 45
Seek a vet urgently for deep cuts, swelling, discharge, lameness, head shaking, or any sign of a migrating awn.
Regular coat care: routine brushing, feather trimming in high season, and keeping problem areas short on spaniels and doodles.
Route choice: avoid overgrown bramble hedges and long-seed grass during late spring to early autumn. 3
Pre-walk conditioning: a light spritz of detangling conditioner can reduce snagging in feathered coats.
Protective gear: consider booties for persistent paw issues and snoods for long-eared breeds in dense scrub.
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact your groomer when burrs are tightly matted to the skin, when there’s widespread tangling, or your dog is uncomfortable. Contact your vet immediately for suspected awns, sudden ear or paw pain, swelling, or discharge.
Local Notes: Folkestone & East Kent
Brambles along coastal paths and chalk downland edges (e.g., The Warren, Lower Leas, and rural lanes towards Etchinghill) can shed burrs year-round. Grass awns peak late spring through summer in long meadows—check paws and ears after these walks. 3
Mikki Matt Splitter (for stubborn mats, used carefully): Mikki Matt Splitter - Professional dematting tool
Warren London Direct
Detangling Conditioner Spray: Warren London - Professional leave-in conditioner for safe burr removal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut burrs out with scissors?
It's risky—skin can be pulled into the hair and nicked. Use guarded clippers or see a groomer for safe removal.
Is coconut oil safe for dogs' coats?
A small amount is fine for lubrication during removal. Wash out with a mild dog shampoo if residue remains. 1
How do I spot a grass awn problem?
Sudden ear shaking, persistent paw licking, sneezing after long grass, squinting, or a painful lump—see your vet same day. 32
What if the burr is too close to the skin?
Stop immediately and book a professional grooming appointment. Don't risk injury to your dog's delicate skin.
How can I prevent burrs in future?
Check your dog after walks, especially around hedgerows and long grass areas. Regular brushing helps prevent matting that makes burr removal more difficult.
