Sticky poplar tree pods stuck to dog's fur

[BG and Gavin]

I need help!  Gavin has been tramping around outside all day in the beautiful weather.  Only problem is that our lawn is covered in sticky poplar seed pods and consequently Gavin is covered too.  Besides his belly and legs, there were at least 10 of them jammed between his toe pads on each paw.  It's a sticky mess.  He was very patient while I tried my best to remove them, however his paws are still a sticky and stinky mess.  It's like sap and I can't even get it off my own hands.  Any suggestions??

[Mommy2Max]

I'd try olive oil or citrus oil (Goo Gone) and a comb followed by a bath.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Goo Gone will work like a charm. It is made from orange oil, it's not greasy and doesn't stain. I've used it to remove gum from my couch and it didn't leave any marks at all. I also use it to remove grease stains from clothing. You may not need to bathe the dog if you don't have to use too much, just clean the area with a wet cloth. You can get it just about anywhere. I know you can get it at Walmart.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Perhaps you can buy some booties for him to go outside with for next time as well?

[Mommy2Max]

These are some of the warnings for Goo Gone

They don’t want it getting on your child’s scalp when you are taking gum out.

Do not induce vomiting!! Call your doctor immediately.

“avoid open wounds and wash with soap and water afterwards. Avoid prolonged contact with fingertips and under fingernails. Wear rubber gloves when using Goo Gone for long periods of time.”

The product claims to be biodegradable but if you go to the website you will see the word “eventually” as in “Eventually the chemicals will biodegrade or evaporate.”

Goo Gone contains petroleum distillates and has a danger label on the front of the package, which tells us that it is harmful if swallowed, and to keep it out of the reach of children.

I think it is fine to use on some spots of fur sparingly but, again - I would bathe the dog afterwards.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

This is going to happen every year at this time - right? I would seriously consider replacing the poplar with something less messy.

[BG and Gavin]

So here is what I ended up doing: picking out as much as I could, waiting for the sap to dry out, combing and doing some cutting of the hair between the pads. I didn't have any goo gone and was afraid of creating an even worse mess. I am not particularly fond of the poplar trees, but we have two of them that are at least 50 years old and 100 feet high with trunks 2 feet in diameter. Cutting them down is not an option. DH ran over the lawn with bagger on the mower to try and pick the pods up and the rolled and airated it. So, it is some better, till next year..
As usual, thanks all for all of your thoughful advice!