Emergency Treatment for Dogs with Burns

Burn injuries in dogs can occur as the result of several factors. Burns can be due to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Dogs can also be scalded by hot liquids, or injured by caustic chemicals. Sunburn is an example of a radiation burn, and happens to dogs that have noses with insufficient pigmentation or have bare skin due to short hair.

Types of Burns

Burns are differentiated and graded by the amount of body burned and the depth of the burns, into first degree, second degree and third degree burns.

• First Degree burns are minor or superficial and usually heal in less than a week. They cause redness of the skin, swelling and a burning sensation.
• Second Degree burns cause blisters and are deeper and more painful than first degree burns. They can take about 3 weeks to heal.
• Third Degree burns are the deepest and most fatal of all burns. Here most of the skin is burned and the burn goes as deep as the fat layer. Hair will come off easily when pulled due to skin and follicle damage. Since these burns actually destroy the nerve endings they are not really painful. The skin appears charred, dry and leathery.

If the dog has 30 percent third degree burns or 50 percent second degree burns there is little chance of the dog surviving the ordeal.

Treatment of Burns

Minor burns, due to their superficial nature, usually do not require professional attention. Superficial burns can be treated by using cooling compresses to cool off the area and give relief. Try to use damp gauze to wrap the burned body part lightly. Do not use ice on the burn injury. Clean the burn with a diluted surgical solution like Chlorhexidine solution. After cleansing, apply an ointment and lightly bandage the area. Ensure that the wound is cleaned and freshly bandaged every day. You may also take the dog to the vet for sterile dressing.

Major burns require professional attention for fluid and electrolyte losses, shock etc. It is important that major burns are not treated lightly or at home, but are left to the safe care of a veterinarian.

In case of electric shock, use a wooden plank or stick to move the dog away from the electrical source before touching the dog. This will help you avoid getting shocked as well.

Chemical burns due to contact with liquids containing alkali, acid, kerosene, etc., will need to be cleaned immediately with plenty of water. When washing the dog wear plastic gloves and bathe the dog with mild soap and water to remove any chemicals or foreign objects from the body. Dry by patting softly with a towel, do not rub. If there are signs of scalding, redness of the skin or blistering, call a veterinarian for further guidance and assistance.

The steps mentioned above can be followed as first aid treatment for burns, but it is best to get professional help for treatment in case of severe burns. To avoid further injuries and aid rapid healing, make sure that the dog does not bite or scratch the burned area.

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