Thermal Burns in Dogs

A dog that has a body temperature of below 35 degrees Celsius and is warmed using any of these techniques could easily suffer thermal burns. Dogs that have short hair, hair loss or are very small are at a higher risk of suffering from thermal burns. If not careful, any dog can be susceptible to thermal burns when warming devices are placed against the skin. Thermal burns can range from first degree burns to fourth degree burns.

When dogs are anesthetized, body temperatures dip and hypothermia can be a concern. Supplemental heat is many times provided to keep a dog’s body temperature from dropping too low. Many veterinarians will use radiant heat lamps, circulating warm water blankets, electric heating pads or warm water containers or surgical gloves placed around the dog to induce heat and keep the body temperature stabilized.

If you notice any area on your dog’s body that could have been burned, no matter the cause, it is best to have your veterinarian examine the area and prescribe the appropriate treatment for the severity of the burn. Any burn is susceptible to infection, shock and/or dehydration.

• Missing hair or thinning hair
• Red skin or skin that is abnormally bright pink
• Blisters on the skin
• Singed hair

Types

First degree burns involve the surface of the skin and are superficial. The burned skin is painful, red and moist. The area will also thicken, but healing will occur within three weeks when new cells form over the area.

Second degree burns have noticeable inflammation present and there is swelling of the tissue beneath the skin’s surface. The hairs on the skin do not easily pull out. Extensive scarring may occur and it will take several months for the area to heal. Second degree burns need to be protected while healing against infections or more traumas.

Third degree burns occur when all skin structures have been destroyed. The affected skin will look brown and leathery. The hairs on the skin can easily pull out. While third degree burns are less painful than first and secondary burns, healing is much more difficult. All the nerves within the skin have been destroyed. Healing many times requires surgical reconstruction or contraction and cell multiplication. Close monitoring of third degree burns is necessary to prevent infection and promote healing.

Fourth degree burns are considered to be the worst type of burns. The burn has extended past the skin layer and has the same characteristics of third degree burns. Fourth degree burns have more tissue damage and extend into the muscle and bone. Surgical reconstruction or formation of granulation tissues will promote healing as long as no infection occurs. Healing will can take several treatments as well as several months time for a full recovery.

Many thermal burns are caused during post-surgery recovery when a dog’s body temperature has dipped dangerously low and heating devices have been used to elevate body temperature back to a normal range. Other instances of thermal burns include licking a hot grill or lying on electric blanket or heating pad in the home.

The following can cause thermal burns in dogs, use caution with any of these:

• Hot liquids
• Hot food
• Heating pads
• Fire or flame
• Heat lamps 
• Hair dryers
• Scalding water
• Radiation

Your veterinarian will examine the affected area and will ask questions to determine how the burn occurred. If you or someone else witnessed the burn happening, relay this information to your veterinarian. 

Questions that may be asked by your veterinarian will include:

• How long ago did the burn occur? 
• If you do not know when it happened, when did you first notice the burn?
• What caused the burn?
• Have you done any treatments at home?

By finding the answers to these questions your veterinarian will be better equipped to determine the severity of the damage done and the best treatment plan for your dog.

The first thing necessary for any burn, no matter the degree of the burn, is to cool the affected area. Cooling the burned area must be done over a period of 30 to 40 minutes. Never rapidly cool a burned area and do not apply ice packs. Ice packs can cause over-cooling or lower body temperatures. In extreme cases, ice packs can cause frostbite.

Thermal burn treatments are based on the depth of the burn.

First Degree Burns

Topical treatments, usually creams, are prescribed. Oral or topical antibiotics will also be prescribed. Proper cleaning of the wound and keeping the area dry will also be necessary for healing.

Second Degree Burns

Many of the second degree burns will need more aggressive treatment plans. Your veterinarian may require your dog to be hospitalized and supportive care be given during the initial treatments. Daily wound cleaning and bandage changes will be required as well as topical and/or oral antibiotics. 

Once the wound is beginning to heal, skin grafts may be necessary to increase healing. Scarring will most likely occur and hair loss may be permanent.

Third or Fourth Degree Burns

Extensive and aggressive treatment plans will be required for a full recovery. Long-term hospitalization may be required along with supportive care including IV fluids, blood transfusions, oxygen support. and antibiotics. 

Dead tissue in and around the burn must be removed and daily wound cleaning and bandage changes are necessary. Pain medications will also be given either orally or intravenous. In extreme cases a feeding tube may be inserted. Multiple skin graft surgeries will also be required.

Some owners choose to euthanize rather than put their dog through the extensive and painful treatments required. Some veterinarians may suggest euthanasia if the burns are extensive and recovery is doubtful.

Dogs that have first or second degree burns have an excellent chance of making a full recovery with proper veterinary care. Treatment plans will vary depending on the severity of the burns. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations to ensure that your dog’s recovery is complete.

Dogs that have third and fourth degree burns will take longer to heal and will have much more intensive treatments. Your veterinarian will speak with you regarding the best treatment plan for your dog as well as the length of time these treatments will take. Recovery times will also be discussed during this time.