Your Pet's Healthcare Starts at Home

About Me

Your Pet's Healthcare Starts at Home

As a long-time animal lover, I have been committed to helping others learn how to care for their pets. I have learned throughout the years that many pet owners receive advice from well-meaning friends and family members about pet care, and this information is often false. I decided to start a blog to help everyone learn how to care for their pets the proper way! My first tip for pet owners is to always remember that while regular veterinary visits are absolutely essential to the health of your pet (those vaccinations and wellness exams are very important!), they are not a substitute for taking proper care of your pet at home. Feed your pet quality food, ensure they maintain a healthy weight, and take your dog for long walks every day. Cats can be exercised by playing fun indoor games that get them moving! I hope my blog helps you!

4 Steps To Take If Your Pup Is Burned

Now that winter is here, it's time to start using the fireplace again. If you have a puppy, you'll need to watch them around the fire. Puppies are naturally curious, especially if they've never been around something before. Just one step too close to the fireplace could result in a serious burn. If your puppy has been burned on the fireplace, here are four steps you'll need to take.

Trim the Fur

If your puppy has suffered a burn, you'll need to trim the fur from around the wound. Fur can make it difficult for you to see the wound. Plus, it can harbor germs and dirt that can cause infection. Use a pair of blunt-tipped scissors to trim the fur away from the burn. Blunt-tipped scissors will ensure that you don't accidentally jab the wound with a sharp-tip.

Clean the Wound

Once you have the fur trimmed from around the burn, you'll need to cleanse and protect the area. Fill a clean basin with cool water and add about 1 teaspoon of antiseptic soap, such as Betadine solution. Pour small amounts of the solution over the burn and then dab gently with a clean cloth. Apply a generous amount of antibiotic ointment to the surface of the wound. Repeat this procedure several times a day to keep the wound clean and free from infection.

Remove the Collar

As soon as you have the wound cleaned, you should remove your puppy's collar. This is particularly true if the wound is located near your puppy's head, neck or chest. Burns can cause swelling. If swelling occurs around the collar, it could cause your puppy to choke. To protect your puppy, take the collar off, and leave it off until the wound has healed.

See the Vet

If your puppy has been burned by the fireplace, you'll need to watch for signs of shock. Burns that cover a large portion of the body can cause the circulation of blood to slow down, which can result in serious medical complications. If your puppy exhibits signs of shock, you should get to a vet--someone at a place like After Hours Veterinary Emergency Clinic Inc--as soon as possible. Some of the signs you should watch for include:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Weakness
  • Pale gums
  • Loss of consciousness

If your puppy suffers a burn this winter, be prepared to take action. Use the tips provided here to care for your pup. Be sure to contact the veterinarian if your pup's condition worsens. 


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