How to Treat a Burn on a Dog

Like humans, dogs are susceptible to burns. That being said, dog burns are classified differently. A superficial partial thickness burn will have reddening of the skin swelling and pain. Deep partial thickness burns will have blisters, swelling, redness and pain. The most serious of dog burns, a full thickness burn, will cause loss of skin, swelling beneath the skin and your dog will likely show no signs of pain. If your dog gets burned, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately to determine burn severity and treat the burn to make your dog more comfortable and prevent infection and shock.

Things You'll Need

  • Wash cloth
  • Scissors
  • Wound cleanser
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Gauze
  • Elizabeth collar (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply a wash cloth soaked in cool water to the area that is burned. This will cool the burn and prevent further burning. Do not use extremely cold water or ice packs to cool a burn because it may cause low body temperature or frostbite. Slowly cool the burn over 30 to 40 minutes.

    • 2

      Clip away fur from the area carefully. This will allow you to examine and monitor the burn.

    • 3

      Clean the burn with a wound cleaner that has povidone iodine or chlorhexidine.

    • 4

      Apply a topical antibiotic cream, or a silver sulfadiazine ointment to the burn to prevent infection and promote healing.

    • 5

      Cover the wound loosely with a gauze pad. You want air to reach the wound for healing, but the gauze should block dirt and debris, along with your dog's access to the wound. You may want to put an Elizabeth collar on your dog to block his access to the wound if he seems to be sniffing, nosing or biting at the gauze.