1. Assess the Type of Burn:
- First degree burns: Superficial, from minor sunburns or hot liquids, red and slightly swollen.
- Second degree burns: Affect middle skin layer, from deep sunburns or flash burns from chemicals, blistered and wet looking.
- Third degree burns: Involve the deepest skin destruction, white and puffy or charred and black.
For First and Second Degree Burns:
- Submerge or rinse with cold water (no ice) or apply a clean cloth soaked in cold water
- If blisters are closed, apply a clean, dry bandage
- If blisters are open, do not cover
- Do not break blisters open
- Do not peel skin
- Let heal naturally
- If blister is large and doesn’t heal, see a veterinarian
For Third Degree Burns:
- Do not move the animal unless necessary
- Do not immerse in cold water
- Treat for shock and cover animal to retain body heat
- Apply a clean, thick, dry dressing – don’t wrap, just cover
- Do not remove burned skin or charred material
- Seek veterinary attention immediately
As well, some holistic veterinarians recommend giving Dr. Bach’s rescue formula and Arsenicum album 30c. And the following topicals are good for mild burns.
- Aloe vera
- Calendula
- Essential oil of lavender
- Urtica urens tincture