Do you have a pet that loves to roll in anything left lying around or get their nose stuck into the few home renovations, namely the paint tin. Then find out more about removing stains from paint, oils and insecticides as well as coat matting.

Matting of the coat

Matting can indicate there is a wound. Carefully examine the area for any signs of blood, swelling or tissue injury If the matting is related to an injury, carefully bath the area with warm water to help lift the mat/scab and see your veterinarian for further treatment.

If the mat is just clumped fur, apply a pet conditioner or plain moisturizer to the mat & massage it in; sometimes this helps to free the mat up so you are able to comb or brush it out. Avoid using scissors to cut the mat out as there is a high risk of cutting the pet's skin. Use pet clippers to clip the mat out.

Paint

Allow the paint to harden & then using pet clippers, clip the hardened paint out. While the paint is hardening, do not allow the pet to groom itself. Never use paint thinners or solvents as these can cause a serious chemical burn to the skin, tongue & mouth.

Glue or chewing gum

Use pet clippers to clip the mat out, if using scissors, be extremely careful as there is a high risk of cutting your pet's skin.

Insecticides

Most insecticides are absorbed through the skin & cause an intestinal upset or in some cases liver &/or kidney dysfunction or failure or seizures. Pets with a low body weight & young pets are most at risk of insecticide toxicity. Do not allow your pet to wash itself until all the insecticide is removed from the coat. It can take a few hours to days to see the signs/symptoms associated with an insecticidal toxicity, see your veterinarian promptly.

First Aid - Rinse the coat well for 5-10 minutes with plain tepid (not warm or hot) water. Use a plain pet shampoo or dishwashing liquid to remove the insecticidal residue.

Oils

Some ingredients of the oil can be absorbed through the skin & cause an intestinal upset or in some cases liver &/or kidney dysfunction or failure. Low body weight & young pets are most at risk of oil toxicity. Remove the oil as quickly as possible to reduce the amount that is absorbed. Do not allow your pet to wash itself until all the oil is removed from the coat. See your veterinarian promptly once the oil has been removed from the coat.

Light / Thin Oils

Use a light cooking or vegetable oil or hand cleaner, rub well into the coat then wash the pet several times with a plain dishwashing detergent until the oil has gone, rinse your pet well.

Heavy / Thick Oils

Use pet clippers to clip the oil clumps out, if using scissors, be extremely careful as there is a high risk of cutting the pet's skin. Use a light cooking or vegetable oil or butter, rub well into the area. Wash the pet several times with a plain dishwashing detergent until the oil has gone, rinse your pet well. You may need to repeat bathing the pet for next few days.