Burns in Dogs
Can be extremely dangerous if there is any kind of infection involved



Burns in dogs are extremely dangerous and in some cases, even with extensive treatment, they can take the life of your dog.

There are several underlying factors that make them a life threatening situation, especially if your dogs has an extensive case of anemia and as a result, an electrolyte imbalance, or is seriously dehydrated.

BURNS IN DOGS AND THE RESULTS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS

Infections are also extremely dangerous with burns, but if your dog develops Sepsis, they may have very little chance of surviving.

Sepsis can very easily affect both very young as well as very old dogs, as well as dogs with a compromised immune system.

It is a very serious medical condition where your dog’s entire body is in an inflammatory state as a result of an infection because of the burn.

Your dog’s skin is the single largest organ in their body and a burn that affects as small as fifteen percent of their body can be extremely dangerous.

Thermal burns in dogs can be caused by several everyday accidents that are waiting to happen if you are not careful.

Your dog may be burned by getting too much sun, walking on extremely hot pavement, or simply getting to close to the barbecue.

This is especially dangerous when you are lighting it.

Hot liquids that may be spilled, hot metal surfaces that they may come into contact with, as well as heating pads and heating lamps are also sources that may burn your dog.

Burns from radiator heat, hair dryers that may be used to dry your dog, as well as scalding water are also other potential threats.

Dogs mysterious eyesThey are classified different than with humans

THE SYMPTOMS YOU CAN WATCH FOR

Burns in your dog, when they do occur, may happen without your knowledge or you actually witnessing the accident.

However, there are some very telling symptoms that you can watch for that your dog has suffered a burn.

The first symptom will be a very sudden mass of hair that is missing for no reason at all.

If this does happen, treat it very seriously and look at the area in extreme detail.

Immediately after your dog has been burned, their skin will develop leather like appearances or the surface of the skin will be almost white.

Once this occurs, the next symptom that you will see is red or exposed skin.

If you see any of these signs it is a very serious development. However, if you see blisters forming or blisters that have already developed, it may now be a life threatening situation.

Once blisters form, infections can very easily follow, but this also opens the door wide open for your dog developing Sepsis.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BURNS

Burns in dogs are classified entirely different than they are in humans, as they are not classified as first degree, second degree, etc.

With dogs, burns are classified by the depth and thickness as well as the extent of the injury as a result of the burn.

The first form of burns in dogs is classified as superficial partial thickness burns.

These would be classified as first degree burns in humans, and with this type of burn only the top layer of your dog’s skin has been damaged.

With this form, the hair may still be attached to the skin, appear red in color, but there will be no sign of blisters.

However, it will cause pain as well as swelling,

The next form of burns in dogs is more serious and is referred to deep partial thickness burns and this form of burn is relative to a second degree burn.

With this form, your dog’s surface layer as well as some of their deeper layers of skin has been damaged.

This is perhaps the most dangerous of the forms simply because it may not be treated by owners as being as serious as it really is.

Second degree burns in humans are almost always associated with the development of blisters, but with dogs, blisters will very seldom occur.

However, it has penetrated some of the inner layers and even without the blisters; it can cause infections to develop very quickly.

With this form, the hair is usually gone, the skin will be red, and you will see some of the inner layers of skin as well as swelling.

Your dog will also be in a lot of pain.

Owners should never treat this form of burn lightly as it may become catastrophic for your dog as infection is starting to set in, you just cannot see it.

The final form of burns in dogs is referred to as full thickness burns and this is the most serious and is relative to a third degree burn in humans.

This form of burn extends through all layers of your dog’s skin, they will start to lose some of their skin, and they will develop blisters.

There will also be swelling, however, something very odd occurs with this form; your dog will not be in a lot of pain simply because they may be going into shock.

THE TREATMENT WILL DEPEND ON THE THICKNESS

The form of treatment for burns in dogs will all depend on the thickness of the injury.

But with all forms there is one commonality that is critical; you must cool the burn as quickly as possible.

There are several homeopathic remedies for scratches, abrasions, and other injuries in dogs, but this is a burn, not a scratch.

The only initial treatment from an owner should be with cool water only.

Do not use ice, as this can result in lowering their body temperature and may even cause frostbite.

Only use cool water and very slowly cool the area for forty to sixty minutes or until you can seek professional care.

Any other type of remedy may intensify the situation.

If the burn is superficial partial thickness only, it can be treated very quickly by your veterinarian with iodine and then topical creams.

Most of these burns will heal within a few days.

If the burn is deep partial thickness, your dog will need to be hospitalized and will usually be given intravenous feeding as well as electrolytes to provide hydration.

If your dog has a full thickness burn and over fifteen percent of their body is affected, they will require extensive hospitalization, as well as potential skin grafting.

With this form of burn, you may have a very difficult decision to make as it will be very expensive to save your dog, if they can be saved.

Burns in dogs will also require your dog to have additional nutritional support to help sustain a higher metabolic rate which will help the healing process.

Pain medications will also play a very important role as your dog will be experiencing a lot of pain.

Morphine is often used but as well as steroids help in some situations, they should be totally avoided with burns because of the potential of immune reactions.

Summary

There is one thing that is critical in dealing with a burn in your dog.

Home remedies and natural forms of treatments have tremendous benefits in several situations, but this is not one of them.

Only use cool water on your dog, do not use ice or butter in the early forms of treatment.

After that, leave the treatment in the hands of professionals as this is one of the most serious situations your dog could ever face.

Pet Medications for Burns in Dogs

Dog Vitamin Store

Poisoning in Dogs