⚡ Electrical Burns in Pets: 2025 Vet First Aid Guide for Shock and Hidden Injuries 🐶🆘

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc 🩺

Electrical injuries in pets, often caused by chewing cords or water exposure near live wires, can result in serious internal damage—even if external wounds seem minor. Burns may be visible on the mouth, tongue, or skin, but the real danger is often hidden: fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and dangerous heart arrhythmias can occur hours after exposure. In this 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through life-saving first aid and when to rush to the vet. ⚡🐾

🚨 Step 1: Ensure Safety Before Touching the Pet

• 🔌 Turn off power or unplug the device first
• 🪵 If you can't turn it off, use a dry wooden broom or other non-conductive object to move the pet away
• 🛑 NEVER touch an electrically shocked pet until you know the current is off—you could be shocked too

❤️ Step 2: Check Breathing and Pulse

• 🧠 If the pet is not breathing or has no heartbeat, start CPR immediately
• 💨 Follow pet-specific CPR guidance: chest compressions and rescue breathing (see full CPR guide)

🧊 Step 3: Cool the Burns

• Gently apply cool (not cold) compresses to any visible burns
• Do NOT apply ointments, butter, or oils
• Use clean cloths and change them frequently

🧣 Step 4: Prevent Heat Loss

• Wrap your pet in a blanket or towel to prevent hypothermia
• Do not overheat—monitor body temperature closely

🚗 Step 5: Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

• Even if your pet seems fine, serious complications can occur hours later
• Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and heart rhythm problems may develop within 24 hours
• Veterinarians often recommend overnight monitoring, chest X-rays, and oxygen therapy

🚫 What NOT to Do

• ❌ Don’t give your pet any medications or liquids unless directed by a vet
• ❌ Don’t delay care—shock-related complications can be fatal
• ❌ Don’t ignore mild-looking burns—they may not reflect the extent of internal damage

🩺 Hidden Dangers After Electrocution

• 🫁 Pulmonary edema: fluid in lungs can make breathing difficult
• ⚡ Cardiac arrhythmias: may not show up for hours
• 🧠 Seizures or unconsciousness: from brain injury

Any of these can occur even if your pet initially recovers. Monitoring is essential. ⏱️

📦 First Aid Kit Essentials for Electrical Injuries

• 🧤 Gloves (non-conductive)
• 🧊 Cool compress cloths or clean towels
• 🩺 Pet CPR cheat sheet
• 📞 Vet and emergency contacts

🔌 Common Sources of Electrocution in Pets

• 🧵 Chewed electrical cords (common in puppies and kittens)
• 💧 Wet areas near power outlets or devices
• 💡 Malfunctioning lights or heaters
• 🌩️ Outdoor electrical storm damage or exposed wires

🛡️ How to Prevent Electrical Injuries

• 🔒 Use cord covers and bitter sprays to discourage chewing
• 🧼 Keep water bowls and aquariums away from power strips
• 👁️ Supervise pets near power cords, especially young animals
• 🏡 Pet-proof holiday decorations and lights

📲 Get Emergency Help With Ask A Vet

If your pet has suffered a shock or electrical burn, don’t wait—get help immediately. The Ask A Vet app provides instant access to licensed veterinarians:

• 💬 Chat 24/7 with a real vet
• 📸 Send photos of mouth burns or skin injuries
• 🧭 Get CPR and first aid instructions while en route to the clinic

Visit AskAVet.com or download the app. Don’t leave electrical shock untreated—get expert help fast and save your pet’s life. ⚡🐾🩺