Burns and scalds (heat and chemical): what should I do for my dog?

First aid

Burns and scalds (heat and chemical): dog first aid

Use this when your dog has been burned by heat, hot liquid or steam, or by a chemical such as a cleaner or acid.

Keep yourself safe. Wear gloves if a chemical is involved.
Move your dog away from whatever is burning it.
Cool a heat burn under cool running tap water for at least 20 minutes. Keep water away from the face.
For a chemical burn, rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes.
Call your vet for an emergency appointment, even for a small burn.
If the burn may get dirty on the way, cover it loosely with cling film or a gauze pad soaked in saline.

Don't use ice or iced water.
Don't put creams or ointments on the burn.
Don't delay the vet trip to cool a severe burn if your dog is in great pain or fighting you.

Burns are very painful, easily infected, and often get worse and blister over the following hours. Cooling the burn quickly with water helps.

Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.

General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.