Immediate treatment for burns
Treating thermal burns on your pet
MetPet.com Staff Writer
 Burns that are caused by heat are called thermal
burns to differentiate them from electrical or chemical burns. They can be caused by
spattering oil or boiling water in the kitchen, sparks from the fireplace or grill or
sitting too close to a candle. Due to your pet's fur, the burn may look and feel
different from burns you are used to seeing on yourself.
Superficial or serious?
A superficial burn may cause reddening and blistering in humans. A superficial burn
in most furred animals means that the hair will not come out when pulled. If the
hair does come out, the burn is deep and needs to be treated by a vet. In any case,
if your pet seems to be in severe pain or there is extensive burning over a large area,
contact your vet immediately!
Thermal burns should be treated by
immersing in cool water (under a running cool water tap for instance) or by
applying a cool icepack immediately. Water or ice packs that are freezing
can actually cause additional pain and damage from the extreme cold so it's best
to keep them on the cool side.
The faster the application of cool
water, the less the heat will damage the skin. Keep the area under water
for 20 minutes unless the burns are so severe that you need to seek immediate
veterinary attention. Alternatively, use an ice compress or even several
towels soaked in water. You can apply the compress or towels in the car on
the way to the vet.
For superficial burns, you can use any number of
disinfectants and a topical antibacterial ointment. First clean the area before applying
any ointments and ask your vet what brands he would suggest. Do not apply anything
to severe burns. Any liquids or creams applied to the skin will have to be covered
in gauze and first aid tape to prevent your pet from licking them off. Clean and
disinfect the area and reapply the ointment at least once a day until the burn has
healed.
Burns on the Pads
In certain areas of the country, summer's heat can cause burning on the pads of
your pet's feet. This is more common with dogs on their daily walks but
can happen with other animals. The black asphalt covering many roads
absorbs the sun's heat all day long and can become as hot as a stove top
especially in the late afternoon.
Always reach down and touch the
surface of the road or sidewalk before you let your pet walk on it. If
it's too hot for you, it will be too hot for him. Let him walk on the lawn
or the dirt instead of the street or sidewalk.
If your pet has difficulty
walking, appears to be depressed or in pain or is constantly licking at his
pads, he may have burned them. Try immersing them in a cool bath or
covering each paw with a hand towel soaked in cold water.
If the burns do not seem too
severe (which will require an immediate trip to the vet), you can apply a
disinfectant and an antibacterial ointment. Wrap the paws lightly in
sterile gauze and then cover them with socks or booties made especially for pets
with hook&loop fasteners.
As an alternative, try children's
cotton socks depending on your pet's size. You will need some first-aid or
masking tape to keep them on and replacements when they become wet or dirty.
Unwrap and check the bandages daily replacing the disinfectant and ointment
until the burns heal.
If your pet manages to lick or chew the bandages
off, you may have to use an Elizabethan Collar (a plastic cone that fits on your
dog's collar and encircles his head) or a muzzle for several days. A
well-stocked pet store or vet should carry these anti-chewing devices.
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