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In this lesson, you'll be learning about cat and dog burn care, including the difference between serious and superficial wounds, and how you should handle each.
Fortunately, burns are quite uncommon for dogs and cats. However, the biggest risks to your pet, in the event of a burn, include:
- Secondary infection
- Fluid loss
- Electrolyte imbalances
For these reasons, burns should be taken very seriously, and most pets who suffer a burn injury should be properly evaluated by your veterinarian.
Having said that, the severity of burn injuries can vary greatly. Some burn wounds can be superficial. These wounds can be seen as fur that has been singed away or a reddened patch of skin that may look a bit raw.
Pro Tip: If your pet has a superficial burn and that wound is confined to a small area, it might be appropriate to treat the wound at home and closely monitor your pet for any other serious signs of trouble, like infection.
However, if that burn wound involves a larger surface area on your pet or is a deeper burn wound – meaning you notice blistering or charring of your pet's skin – you need to get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
How to Treat a Superficial Burn Wound at Home
Again, even though we've mentioned this repeatedly, it bears mentioning once more – make sure the scene is secure and that it's safe to approach your pet if you suspect he or she has suffered a burn wound.
- Begin by checking your pet's vital signs. Pay particular attention to his or her respiratory system. A pet that has been in a fire will likely be at risk of suffering from smoke inhalation. If your pet is showing any breathing abnormalities, this can be a life-threatening situation and deserves an immediate trip to see the vet. Skip the burn wound care for now; the respiratory situation takes precedence.
- If your pet seems to be breathing normally, you can cool off any burned areas with cool water. Do not use ice water or ice. Your goal here is to stop the spread of any more heat. A burn may continue to produce more heat for a while after the actual incident.
- Once your pet's burn is thoroughly cooled off, wrap him or her in a towel or blanket and transport your pet to the veterinarian for further evaluation and care.
Warning: Burns are not the type of injury to take lightly, and there's just so much you can do at home. A trip to the vet will almost always be warranted, whether or not you decide to treat a superficial wound before going.
