What to do if a bunny is burnt?
"Stop the burning"
DO NOT Soak the bunny in water
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Apply a moist, cool compress to the effected area.
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Keep the bunny warm by wrapping in a cotton towel.
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Transport to a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
Wildfires are one of the most unpredictable disasters; shifting winds can dramatically and immediately alter the course and intensity of the fire with absolutely no warning. People are unavoidably separated from their pets and livestock and wildlife often has nowhere to turn. Toxic pollutants from fires can forever change the biology of the ecosystem making replanting or rebuilding next to impossible.
Animals don't just experience burns on their bodies; smoke inhalation can also lead to painful burning of their windpipes. Inhaling smoke from a wildfire can also lead to lifelong breathing problems and, in many cases, death from the carbon monoxide in the air.
Most animals don't know to fear fire until they are burning.
What are burns?
Burns can occur as a result of tissue injury from heat, flames, chemicals, or electricity. Thermal burns caused by agents that include fire, steam, hot liquids, and heating devices are the most common in animals. Burn injuries are painful and can lead to partial or complete skin damage, as well as secondary problems including heart abnormalities, respiratory problems, dehydration, and metabolic disease. Severe burn injuries can be life-threatening. Burns are classified by the number of damaged skin layers and by injury severity.
Burn classification includes:
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First-degree (superficial) — Only the outermost skin layer, or epidermis, is affected and these burns will typically heal quickly.
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Second-degree (partial thickness) — Deeper skin layers are affected and blistering and skin draining can occur. Animals with second-degree burns are at risk for infection.
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Third-degree (full thickness) — All skin layers are affected, as well as subcutaneous tissue. Bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons may also be damaged. Animals will lose sensation in the affected area and will develop scars after healing.
What to do if a bunny is burned?
"Stop the burning"
DO NOT Soak the bunny in water
-
Apply a moist, cool compress to the affected area.
-
Keep the bunny warm by wrapping in a cotton towel.
-
Transport to a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.