First Aid – Burns

Burns

Joanne Bibby – Fursafe® This article provides an introduction into the identification and immediate action required when a dog experiences a burn trauma. Given the many ways a dog can be burnt and the size of the subject matter, the article cannot cover all variables. Please call your Vet if ever your dog is burnt, impacted by toxic fumes, has ingested toxic liquids, experienced electric shock or has experienced a vehicle accident.

BURN TRAUMA Burn trauma is when the tissue on a dog’s body is damaged from coming into contact or exposed to:

• Thermal Burns: When the dog comes into contact with heated objects or liquids e.g., boiling water, hot steam, flame, heated appliances including BBQ hotplates and walking on hot roads.

• Chemical Burns: If a dog ingests, absorbs or inhales caustic chemicals there is the risk of burns in the mouth/throat, skin, nasal passages and lungs.

• Electrical Burns: Electric shock where electricity passes through the body of the dog causing potential cardiac arrest and damage to other organs. Other Burns: • Friction Burn: If a dog falls out of a moving car the dog may experience a serious burn from being dragged or skidding on the pavement or roadway.

Another way to experience a friction burn is constant rubbing of rope.

• Cold Burn: Frostbite is a cold burn from ice exposure. The skin blackens and dies usually on the extremities such as ears, toes, paws, tail for example. Frostbite has the potential to cause the loss of the affected extremity.

• Radiation Burns: Overexposure to the sun. Laying too close to radiators.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS The best way to mitigate the risk of your dog experiencing a burn is to:

• Keep your dog out of the kitchen if you are unable to stop them from getting under feet or too close to the appliances.

• Keep all wiring and electrical appliances in good working order and out of reach.

• Don’t leave a hot BBQ unattended.

• Ensure that all household and garden chemicals

are stored in cabinets. Never leave toilet bleach on the floor and always keep laundry chemicals up high or in the cupboard.

• Don’t allow your dog to remain in full sun; always provide shade. With white dogs use sunscreen.

• Don’t leave radiators or open fires unattended – if possible, cordon off.

• Always anchor your dog when in the car. Don’t allow your dog to put head/shoulders out the window when driving.

• During bushfire season, implement your Bushfire

Survival Plan. Place your dog into a closed area while organising evacuation.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Severity of Burns Minor – 1st degree burn • Fur looks and smells singed. • Painful fluid lesions/blisters may be visible. • Skin around burn area may appear red in colour.

Moderate – 2nd degree burn / partial thickness burn • Painful swollen lesions/blisters darkening in colour.

Severe – 3rd degree burn / full thickness burn • Burnt through the dermis, affecting deeper tissues. • Lesions may look black or white. Fur pulls or falls out easily. • Shock. • Gums turning pale or white. Heart rate beating rapidly. Breathing is rapid. • Risk of infection.

Life-threatening – 4th degree burn/full thickness • Trauma to tendons, muscles, bones and other organs. • Severe bleeding and infection. • Shock.

THERMAL BURNS

Liquid Burns and Contact Burns (e.g., BBQ hot plate)

1. Restrain dog.

2. Cool burned area immediately with a gentle stream of cold water e.g., backyard hose, bath, shower attachment or under a tap for 15-20 minutes. The quicker you cool the area, the less damage will be done.

3. Cover the area with a sterile non-stick bandage. 5. Make sure you wrap dog in a blanket for the trip to the Vet and manage for shock.

CHEMICAL BURNS 1. Wear rubber gloves to avoid being burnt yourself.

2. Remove any contaminated collars, clothing or harness.

3. Flush affected area with cold water for 15-20 minutes, making sure you don’t spread the chemicals and burn other areas.

4. Take your dog’s temperature to ensure you are not over cooling and causing hypothermia.

5. Make sure you wrap dog in a blanket for the trip to the Vet and manage for shock.

If the burn is in the mouth lie the dog on the side and pour cool water through the mouth, a cup at a time or use a garden hose for a constant cool flow. Make sure the water is running out of the mouth and NOT down the throat. Once flushed with water, cover superficial burns with a sterile non-stick bandage and get to the vet.

ELECTRICAL BURNS Warning: Never touch a pet that has been electrocuted without first:

1. Turning off the power at the mains;

2. Unplugging electrical equipment; and

3. Using a broom or some other wooden hook to pull/ drag pet away from electrical source and away from pools of water or other liquid (e.g., urine)

Electricity Can Kill!

4. Restrain dog and cool burnt area immediately by placing injured part or area under gentle stream of cold water for 15-20 minutes. The quicker you cool the area, the less damage will be done.

5. Take your dog’s temperature to ensure you are not over cooling and causing hypothermia.

6. Cover the area with a sterile non-adhesive bandage.

7. Undertake a Secondary assessment to see if there are other wounds.

8. Treat for shock.

9. Wrap dog in blanket for the trip to vet.