Fireplaces and Space Heaters: Dog Safety

Dogs can be hurt by heat sources in several ways. Direct contact can burn paws, noses, tails, and bellies, particularly for dogs who lie close to the heat. Hot surfaces, such as the glass on a wood stove, can burn even without a flame. Smoke and fumes can irritate the lungs. A dog who knocks over a heater or candle can start a fire, and chewed cords can cause shocks and electrical fires.

Some dogs seem unaware of the danger. Thick-coated dogs may not feel heat until it is severe, and older or ill dogs may be too weak to move away. Careful setup protects them.

Always use a secure guard or screen around a fireplace or stove, one that is sturdy, and too tall and wide for your dog to move or climb over. Keep the area clear of flammable items, and do not leave a fire burning when you leave the room. Check that the chimney is clean and in good condition, and let your fire die down before going to bed.

• Use a freestanding guard, and secure it to the wall if needed.
• Keep tools, matches, and fire starters out of your dog's reach.
• Do not allow your dog to chew logs, kindling, or ash, which can be harmful.
• Keep the hearth floor free of embers and hot surfaces.
• Supervise puppies and curious dogs at all times.

Note: Fire starters, firelogs, and ash can contain chemicals that are harmful to dogs. Keep them well out of reach, and call your vet if your dog eats any.

Choose a heater with automatic shut-off if it tips over or overheats, and a cool-touch exterior. Place it on a flat, stable surface, away from curtains, furniture, and bedding. Keep the cord out of reach, or use cord protectors, and do not use extension cords. Never leave a heater on in a room with an unsupervised dog, since a wagging tail can knock it over.

Consider using a heater in a room your dog cannot enter, or a gated area, and turn it off when you leave. Heated pet beds and mats should be designed for animals, with chew-resistant cords, and used according to the instructions.

Gas heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas, and dogs may show signs before people do. Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on every floor, and test them regularly. Make sure appliances are serviced, and that vents and chimneys are clear.

Signs of carbon monoxide exposure in a dog include lethargy, vomiting, a wobbly walk, bright red gums, and collapse. If you suspect it, get everyone out into fresh air, and call emergency services and your vet. Wood smoke can also irritate the lungs, particularly in dogs with breathing problems.

Training provides an extra layer of safety. Teach a mat or place command, and practice it a few feet from the heat source. Reward your dog for settling there, and gradually build the time. Give a chew to make the spot rewarding.

1. Teach mat in a quiet area, with treats.
2. Place the mat a safe distance from the fire or heater.
3. Reward your dog for lying on it, and build duration.
4. Add distractions, such as logs being placed.
5. Reward your dog for staying back when the fire is lit.

If your dog has been near heat, check their body. Look for red, blistered, or hairless skin, singed fur, and tender spots. Burns can be hidden by fur. Cool the area with lukewarm water for several minutes, and call your vet. Do not use ice, creams, or home remedies. Seek urgent care for any burn that is large, blistered, or that involves the face, paws, or genitals, or if your dog has trouble breathing.