Kerosene is harsh on the skin, and could cause liver and kidney problems, esp on an older dog.
Try PAM nonstick cooking spray. Look for the basic or 'original' one. Saturate the spots, rub it a bit or let it soak, then brush or comb the area. Show dog people say it's great for removing burs in long-haired dogs.
If the PAM doesn't work on your dog's coat, use Formula 409 from the cleaning section of your grocery store. It's gentle and works better than anything else I've ever found for sap on hands. Use it straight on individual spots, don't bathe the whole dog in it. Then rinse thoroughly.
Sue