How to Treat Burns on a Dog’s Skin

Dogs can suffer burns from various sources, including heat, chemicals, electricity, and radiation. Immediate and proper treatment is essential to prevent infection and minimize pain. If your dog has sustained a burn, follow these steps to ensure effective care.

Types of Burns in Dogs

Understanding the type of burn will help determine the best course of treatment.

• Thermal Burns – Caused by fire, hot surfaces, boiling liquids, or steam.

• Chemical Burns – Result from exposure to harsh chemicals like bleach, acids, or cleaning products.

• Electrical Burns – Occur when a dog chews on electrical cords or gets electrocuted.

• Radiation Burns – Often caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or radiation treatments.

  
  

  Signs of Burns in Dogs

  
  

  Burn severity is categorized into three degrees:

  1. First-degree burns: Redness, swelling, and mild pain, affecting only the top layer of the skin.

  2. Second-degree burns: Blisters, swelling, and severe pain, extending into deeper skin layers.

  3. Third-degree burns: Charred or leathery skin, nerve damage, and minimal pain due to destroyed nerve endings.

  
  

  Immediate First Aid for Burns

  
  

  Remove the Source of the Burn

  
  

• For thermal burns, move the dog away from heat and cool the area.

• For chemical burns, flush the area with cool water for at least 10 minutes. Avoid scrubbing.

• For electrical burns, turn off the power source before touching your dog.

• For radiation burns, move the dog to a shaded area and keep it cool.

  
  

  Cool the Burned Area

  
  

• Run cool (not ice-cold) water over the affected area for 5–10 minutes to reduce heat and inflammation.

• Apply a cool, damp cloth to the burn.

• Do Not Apply Harmful Substances

• Avoid butter, oil, or ointments, as they can trap heat and worsen the burn.

• Do not break blisters, as this increases the risk of infection.

  Protect the Burned Area

  
  

• Cover the burn loosely with a clean, sterile, non-stick dressing to prevent contamination.

• Avoid tight bandaging, which can restrict blood flow.

  
  

  Veterinary Treatment

  
  

  When to See a Vet

  
  

  Seek immediate veterinary care if:

  
  

• The burn is larger than a few inches.

• It is a second-degree or third-degree burn with blisters or exposed tissue.

• The dog shows signs of shock (weakness, rapid breathing, or pale gums).

• There are chemical or electrical burns, as internal damage may not be visible.

  
  

  Possible Veterinary Treatments

  
  

• Pain management: Your vet may prescribe pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Antibiotics: To prevent infection, especially in deeper burns.

• Fluids & hospitalization: Severe burns may require IV fluids and intensive care.

• Surgical intervention: Skin grafts or wound debridement may be necessary for extensive burns.

  
  

  Home Care and Recovery

  
  

• Keep the Area Clean

• Gently clean the burn with vet-approved antiseptic solutions.

• Change bandages regularly as instructed by your vet.

• Prevent Licking and Scratching

• Use an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) to stop your dog from licking the burn.

• Monitor for Signs of Infection

• Watch for redness, pus, swelling, or foul odor from the wound.

  
  

  Provide a Comfortable Environment

  
  

  Keep your dog in a quiet, stress-free area with easy access to food and water.

  
  

  Nutrition and Hydration

  
  

• Offer a high-protein diet to support healing.

• Ensure your dog stays hydrated to aid tissue repair.

  Preventing Burns in Dogs

  
  

• Keep hot objects and open flames out of reach.

• Store chemicals securely and clean up spills immediately.

• Supervise dogs around electrical cords.

• Limit sun exposure and use pet-safe sunscreen for dogs prone to sunburn.

By acting quickly and seeking professional help when necessary, you can help your dog recover from burns and prevent complications.