We were at a truck stop earlier this week and co-driver took our Schnauzer out to handle his business. Normally, we put boots on him to protect his paws from motor fluids, burrs, broken glass -- all of the normal garbage you find in a truck stop. However, if there is nice, manicured grass, we will forego the boots and let him go out without them. He went out on the nice manicured grass and behind a shrub, there was a bucket that he lifted his leg on. After that, he started to walk funny and co-driver looked and found that 2 of his paws had sticky tar on them (must have been next to the bucket). Not having a vet handy or anywhere to get the appropriate ingredients to remove the tar safely, we improvised. We got a small bucket and put some diesel in it and worked the tar off the paws. Then, we got another bucket with water and dawn dish soap and washed the diesel off his paws. The tar came off as well as the diesel and what could have been a messy and unhealthy situation, turned out fine. I just wanted to post this in case anyone else ever runs into this problem out on the road. Also, I wanted to remind everyone that they should keep a close eye on their pets on the road (yes, I reminded co-driver of that fact too LOL). I know the pets enjoy running without a leash, but there are so many things they can get into that could threaten their health and well being that it's not worth the risk. Please, please, keep your pets safe out there.

Iam very happy that you posted this and also that things turned out OK!!

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Glad to hear/read that everything worked out...great way to improvise!

Nice tip too....ya just never know what your in for when you have a schnauzer in your life...LOL

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LuvMyHubby
PROUD Mom of an enlisted man currently in Iraq
"The Truckers Report..helping newbies avoid the shams and scams, providing support for driver families and just a GREAT place to hang out,laugh and learn!"

Another way to remove TAR from a dog's feet that isn't quite so toxic, is by a liberal application of PETROLIUM JELLY to soften the tar, then wash with undiluted dish soap, followed by a thorough rinse with clear water. To prevent the pads from chaffing from the soap, vinegar will remove any left-over soap residue.

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"Pam" cooking spray will take tar, paint, cedar sap, just about anything off of man or beast. Then just clean with soap and water. Just think, we cook with this stuff!