Accidents can happen alarmingly quickly, and this is certainly the case when your dog is scalded or burned. Their coat offers a degree of protection and it's often appropriate to flush the affected part of their body with cold water to address the issue. However, burns can be very serious indeed, often requiring emergency treatment. Would you know what to do if your dog was burned?
Understand Types of Burns
There are three primary sources of burns that might affect a dog:
- From a direct heat source (such as actual fire or an electrical appliance).
- From a scalding hot liquid (not necessarily water).
- From corrosive chemicals.
As with any exposure to burn, the results can vary significantly depending on the intensity of the source, and the time of exposure. The seriousness can also depend on where on your dog's body they were burned.
First Degree Burns
If your dog has first-degree burns (the least serious, where the skin is scalded but still unbroken) should be cold water, ideally from a steady, controllable source (such as in the shower). You must also take appropriate caution to protect yourself. This means that any electrical devices that may have caused the injuries should be safely disconnected. In the event of a chemical burn, you must wear protection (such as rubber gloves) to prevent your own skin from being affected. Rinse the affected area in cold water, as quickly as possible. This will help to minimize the seriousness of any injuries. Contact your vet for further advice, and they will instruct you if the injury needs to be assessed.
Second and Third Degree Burns
At the time of the accident, it can be difficult to gauge the nature of the burns. This is especially difficult with dogs, when the affected area is covered with your dog's coat. However, second and third degree burns will generally be visible on your dog's coat, breaching the skin beneath. These injuries are too severe to just be treated with water and require emergency treatment. Immediately get your dog to an ER veterinary clinic.
Treatment Options
At the clinic, the wound itself will be cleaned and dressed, and your dog will likely need treatment for shock (often requiring intravenous fluids). Don't delay, as every minute counts, and delaying treatment can make the consequences of the injury far more serious. The treating vet may need to keep your dog at the clinic for a short period (possibly several nights, depending on the injury), and subsequent visits will be needed so that your dog's dressing can be changed.
Severe burns can be dangerous or life-threatening, so prompt action is always needed when your poor pooch has an accident. Learn more by contacting services like Animal Emergency Clinic.
Share
