The Guide to Immediate Care for Burns in Pets

Burn injuries in pets can happen unexpectedly, especially during emergencies like the wildfires currently devastating parts of Los Angeles County. These natural disasters not only pose risks to human lives but also threaten the safety and well-being of our pets. As pet owners, it’s crucial to know how to respond if your pet sustains a burn while you wait to get professional veterinary care. Acting quickly and appropriately can prevent further damage, reduce pain, and potentially save your pet’s life.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential do’s and don’ts of burn care for pets, ensuring you’re equipped to handle the situation with confidence and compassion.

Burn injuries in pets can occur for various reasons, and during emergencies like the wildfires in Los Angeles, the risks are even higher. To provide proper care, it’s essential to understand the different types of burns, how severe they can be, and the signs your pet may exhibit.

1. Thermal Burns:
   Thermal burns are the most common type of burn and occur when a pet comes into contact with a heat source, such as hot surfaces, flames, or scalding liquids. For example, during a wildfire, pets can suffer burns from walking on hot pavement or debris, or from exposure to fire and smoke.
2. Chemical Burns:
   Animals can suffer from chemical burns due to contact with toxic substances like cleaning products, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals. These burns are especially risky since they can keep harming the tissues even after the substance is no longer in contact.
3. Electrical Burns:
   Electrical burns occur when a pet chews on electrical cords or is exposed to a live current. These burns are not only painful but can also affect internal tissues, making them difficult to detect at first glance.

Understanding the severity of the burn can help you determine how to provide first aid before you reach a vet. Even seemingly minor burns should be taken seriously, as they can worsen without proper treatment.

Burns in pets are classified by their depth and severity:

This is the mildest type of burns, affecting only the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. They are generally caused by brief exposure to heat, sunlight, or mild chemicals. Symptoms typically include redness, swelling, and mild discomfort or pain, which can feel similar to a sunburn. First-degree burns usually heal within a week and they often do not leave scars.

These burns extend into deeper layers of the skin, resulting in notable blistering, swelling, and considerable pain. These burns impact both the outer skin and some inner layers. Symptoms include the formation of blisters and fluid drainage, and the healing process can take weeks to months. Due to the depth and severity, these burns carry a higher risk of infection and may lead to scarring.

This is the most serious type of burn, as it affects the entire dermis down to the subcutaneous layer, and may even extend to muscles, tendons, and bones. The affected area often appears charred, leathery, or may even be numb due to nerve damage. Healing from these burns is prolonged and poses a significant risk of infection, along with the potential for extensive and permanent scarring. Surgical intervention is typically necessary, and there can be severe internal injuries. It is also common for the dog to go into shock following such an injury.

Your pet may not always be able to express their pain clearly, so it’s essential to recognize the physical and behavioral signs of a burn if they are not readily visible:

Mild burns are typically characterized by redness, swelling, and discomfort. The extent of damage and symptoms can vary among different types of burns, but the following signs may appear after a burn has occurred:

Pets may yelp, whine, limp, or avoid using a specific part of their body. They might excessively lick or scratch the burned area, which can worsen the injury.

By identifying the type and severity of the burn and observing your pet’s behavior, you’ll be better prepared to provide immediate care while arranging for professional veterinary assistance.

When a pet sustains a burn, acting quickly and correctly can make a huge difference in their recovery. However, it’s just as important to avoid common mistakes that could worsen the injury. A reminder that if your pet has suffered a severe burn, they should be taken to an emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible. Here’s a guide to the essential do’s and don’ts of burn care for pets, interwoven to help you navigate each step.

• Do: Stay calm and assess the situation.
  • Make sure your pet is safe by removing them from the source of the burn, which may be a flame, hot surface, or spilled chemical. It's essential to prioritize your safety as well—use gloves or a towel to handle your pet without risking injury to yourself risk.
• Don’t: Delay taking action.
  • Burns can continue to cause damage over time if not treated, so it’s crucial to address the injury immediately.

• Do: Rinse the affected area with cool (not cold) water for 10–15 minutes.
  • Running water can help reduce heat and soothe the injury. If running water isn’t available, gently apply a clean, damp cloth to the area.
• Don’t: Use ice or ice water.
  • Ice can restrict blood flow and cause further damage to already sensitive tissues, exacerbating the injury.

• Do: If it's feasible, delicately cleanse the area with lukewarm water to eliminate any debris.
  • Gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth and cover it with a non-stick, sterile dressing or a clean, breathable cloth to safeguard it from contamination.
• Don’t: Apply ointments, oils, or butter.
  • Human products, including petroleum jelly, butter, or certain creams, can trap heat, delay healing, or be toxic if licked by your pet.

• Do: Keep your pet calm and comfortable.
  • Stress can aggravate the injury or cause your pet to worsen the injured area, so talk to your pet in a soothing voice and minimize their movement. Offer water to keep them hydrated, but don’t force them to eat or drink if they’re in distress.
• Don’t: Let your pet lick or scratch the burn.
  • Licking can introduce bacteria and lead to infection. Use an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) if needed to prevent your pet from aggravating the wound.

• Do: Leave any blisters intact.
  • Blisters are the body’s natural way of protecting the damaged tissue underneath.
• Don’t: Pop or break blisters.
  • Breaking blisters can expose the underlying tissue to infection and delay healing.

• Do: Use pet-safe products, such as aloe vera gel, hypochlorous acid products, and antibacterial ointments, but only after consulting with a veterinarian.
  • These can provide relief and protect against infection when used appropriately.
• Don’t: Experiment with unapproved treatments or home remedies.
  • Certain substances, like essential oils or tea tree oil, can be harmful or toxic to pets. Always consult a professional before applying any topical treatments.

• Do: Cover the wound with a loose, non-stick dressing.
  • A breathable bandage can protect the burn from dirt and bacteria while allowing some airflow for healing.
• Don’t: Wrap the bandage tightly.
  • Tight bandages can restrict circulation and worsen swelling, causing additional pain and complications.

• Do: Contact a veterinarian immediately.
  • Even if the burn seems minor, it’s essential to have a professional assess the injury and recommend the appropriate treatment. Provide your vet with details about the cause and size of the burn, as well as your pet’s symptoms. Third-degree burns must be immediately seen by an emergency veterinarian.
• Don’t: Assume a burn will heal on its own.
  • Burns can lead to infections, tissue damage, or long-term complications if left untreated. Quick veterinary care is crucial for your pet’s recovery.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can provide effective first aid to your pet and ensure their injury doesn’t worsen while you wait for professional help. Always prioritize safety and act promptly to give your pet the best chance at a full recovery.

Burns in pets are stressful and potentially life-threatening, especially during emergencies like the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. Knowing how to act quickly—and what to avoid—can make all the difference in stabilizing your pet’s condition before reaching a veterinarian. Cooling the burn, protecting the wound, and avoiding harmful practices like using ice or human products are crucial first steps.

However, even the best at-home care is no substitute for professional veterinary treatment. Burns can cause complications, including infections and long-term damage, so contacting a vet promptly is essential.

By staying informed and prepared, you can give your pet the care they need during emergencies. Remember, your calm and decisive actions can save your beloved pee3t from unnecessary pain and set them on the path to recovery.