FAQ: Pets at Home After Burn Injury

Pets can be an important source of emotional support and comfort after a burn injury; however, it's important to balance the benefits of having pets nearby with a few key precautions to protect your healing skin and reduce infection risks. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about caring for and interacting with pets during burn recovery: 

1. Can I have my pet around me when I get home from the hospital?  

Yes, of course! Unless specifically restricted by your care team, having a pet in the home while caring for a burn injury or after discharge from the hospital is completely safe. Their presence can be emotionally supportive and comforting during recovery. 

2. Is it safe to let my pet near my healing burn wounds or skin grafts?  

It can be—if you have intact dressings protecting and covering any open wounds. Animal fur, saliva, and claws can introduce bacteria to healing wounds, leading to infection or delayed healing. Another thing to remember is that pet contact with healing skin or open wounds, even with dressings on, may damage the fragile skin or cause pain.   

3. Are there specific animals that pose more risk than others (e.g., dogs vs. cats)?  

Not necessarily. It mostly depends on the training of your pet and their behaviors. If your pet is more likely to jump on you, walk on you, claw you, or lick you, that may increase your risk of pain, skin damage, or infection.  

4. Can I sleep in the same bed as my pet during recovery?  

It's best to avoid sleeping with pets while healing, especially if you have open wounds or dressings. Pets may unknowingly scratch, lick, or contaminate the wound area during the night.  

5. Can pet fur or dander cause an infection or delay my healing?  

Fur and dander themselves are not typically infectious, but they can carry bacteria from the pet's skin or environment that could pose a risk to healing tissue. If your wound becomes contaminated with fur or dander, you should wash the area with soap and water, followed by applying a clean dressing. If you have concerns about changes in your wound appearance or if you are concerned about infection, you can reach out to your care team for advice.  

6. What precautions should I take if I have open wounds, dressings, or central lines?  

• Keep pets out of rooms where you change dressings or store supplies. 

• Wash your hands before and after contact with your pet. 

• Avoid letting pets lick, sit, or jump on healing skin. 

7. Should I keep my pet out of certain rooms, like my bedroom or bathroom?  

If possible, limit your pet's access to your bedroom and any spaces where you care for your wounds. Clean surfaces regularly and maintain a sanitary recovery environment.  

8. Can I walk or care for my pet (feeding, cleaning litter boxes, etc.) during recovery?  

You may resume light pet care depending on your energy and ability. Use gloves when handling waste, and avoid tasks that could expose healing skin to germs, scratches, or contamination.  

9. What if my pet accidentally scratches or bites me?  

Clean the area immediately with soap and water and notify your healthcare provider if you have concerns about the appearance of your wound or if you are concerned about infection. Scratches and bites from animals can introduce bacteria, so it is important to clean the area with soap and water and apply a new dressing promptly. The overall risk of infection is very low but not zero, so you or your caregiver should always be watching for changes in your wound appearance.  

10. How do I safely clean up after my pet to avoid infection risks?  

The most important thing is to avoid introducing any bacteria into open wounds. Avoid contact between pet waste and healing skin. If possible, use disposable gloves when cleaning up pet waste and disinfect surfaces. Most importantly, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.   

11. Should my pet be groomed or bathed before I come home?  

Yes, if possible. A clean, well-groomed pet will shed less fur and dander and reduce the chance of carrying environmental bacteria into your recovery space.  

12. Can I let my pet lick my skin or wounds?  

No. Never allow pets to lick wounds, healing skin, or dressings. Their saliva contains bacteria that can cause serious infections.  

13. Is it okay for visitors to bring their pets to my home during my recovery?  

It's best to avoid unfamiliar pets in your home during recovery, especially those that haven't been groomed or are not well-behaved. Limit exposure to your own pet(s) in a safe, controlled setting.  

14. When can I resume full contact with my pet? 

This depends on your healing progress. Once your wounds are fully closed and your medical team clears you, you can likely resume normal contact with your pets. Until then, it's best to be cautious.    

15. What other things should I keep in mind with pets in my home after a burn injury?  

• Ensure your pets are healthy, vaccinated, and free from fleas, worms, or infections. 

• Keep their living areas clean and groom them regularly. 

• A healthy pet makes for a safer healing environment. 

16. What about exotic pets or reptiles?  

These should be handled on a case-by-case basis and may be worth discussing specifically with your care team and your veterinarian. Certain pets are associated with specific bacteria or viruses (e.g., reptiles with Salmonella). As with any pet, avoid contact with wounds and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.   

17. What are the chances my wound will get infected if my pet licks or bites it?  

There is no scientific literature that can answer this question effectively. However, we do know the risk is low (<20%). Literature evaluating dog bites suggests that only 5-20% of dog bite wounds become infected. Crush injuries, puncture wounds, and hand wounds are more likely to become infected than scratches or tears.   

References:   

Tabaka ME, Quinn JV, Kohn MA, Polevoi SK. Predictors of infection from dog bite wounds: which patients may benefit from prophylactic antibiotics? Emerg Med J. 2015;32(11):860-863.   

Presutti RJ. Prevention and treatment of dog bites. Am Fam Physician. 2001;63(8):1567-1572. 

Disclaimer: The medical information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical knowledge is continually evolving, and recommendations may change over time. Content shared by subject matter experts reflects their expertise and experience at the time of publication and may not be applicable to all individuals. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. The views expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.