Explosion Tore Through Yard Where Dog Was Chained Up—But His Spirit Never Broke
Imagine being just feet away from a fire explosion—chained, helpless, and unable to escape. That’s what happened to Boden, a dog who was trapped outside when an oxygen tank near his doghouse suddenly exploded, leaving him to face the full force of the blast. (Watch Video Above)
By the time he was cut loose, he was already on fire. He ran in agony, trying to outrun the pain, but the damage was done—his body covered in burns, his face the worst of all. But Boden’s story didn’t end in tragedy. Thanks to the efforts of Forgotten Now Family (FNF) Rescue, the once-miserable dog has a new leash on life.
Months of Dedicated Care and Healing
After the horrific explosion, Forgotten Now Family (FNF) Rescue stepped in to save Boden, transferring him to the top burn unit in North Carolina. With support from foster and rescue advocates, A Crew of Rescues, who handled his transport and showered him with love, Boden began the long road to recovery.
Thanks to generous donations from FNF supporters and the expertise of a dedicated medical team, an innovative treatment plan was developed to preserve as much of his facial tissue as possible. Miraculously, Boden began to heal.
Once discharged, A Crew of Rescues welcomed Boden into their home, where they meticulously cared for him, managing his medications, changing his bandages, applying burn creams, and taking him to frequent follow-up appointments.
Most importantly, they gave him something he had never known before: a safe, loving space to rest and recover. And when the time finally came that Boden no longer needed daily vet visits, longtime FNF foster Shannon (@OurK9Cottage) opened her heart and home to continue his healing journey.
Happy Ending For The Unfortunate Dog
Boden may have faced unimaginable trauma, but he never let it dim his spirit. As his body healed, so did his heart—and his sweet, resilient personality began to shine through. After four months in foster care with Shannon, he found what every rescue dog dreams of: a forever home.
Today, Boden has two devoted parents who dote on him endlessly, along with two playful doggy sisters. He tags along to the fire station with his dad, races around the backyard with his fursiblings, and enjoys plenty of couch naps.
Boden is finally living the life he always deserved—surrounded by love, spoiled with toys, soft beds, and countless adventures.
Reflecting on their time together, foster parent Shannon shared, “He is the most loving boy, and while I’m so incredibly happy for him, we sure do miss him around our house.”
Pet Fire Safety 101
Boden’s terrifying experience with fire is a powerful reminder of how vulnerable our furry friends can be in emergencies. With National Pet Fire Safety Day approaching on July 15, it’s the perfect time to talk about how to keep pets safe from the dangers of fire.
Fire Safety Tips For Pets
House fires are terrifying for everyone, but especially for pets who can’t always escape on their own. Whether the fire starts from an appliance, an electrical fault, or even a curious pet knocking something over, a little preparation can go a long way.
These pet fire safety tips, given by Today’s Veterinary Practice, can help pet owners prevent accidents and protect their furry companions if the unthinkable happens.
Prevention Measures
- Never leave pets unattended around open flames like candles, stovetops, or fireplaces. They can easily knock things over and start a fire.
- Hide potential fire starting hazards such as loose wires and electrical cords.
- Use knob covers on stoves to prevent accidental ignition.
Prepare For Fire
- Monitored smoke detectors are essential. Test them regularly to ensure your home is protected. Place a Pet Alert sticker on a front window noting how many pets live in your home—this helps firefighters in case of emergency.
- When you’re away, keep pets near exits for easier rescue, and leave leashes or carriers nearby. Microchipping is also vital in case your pet runs off during a fire.
- Create and practice a fire escape plan that includes your pets. Know your exits and rehearse how to evacuate everyone quickly.
These simple tips can make all the difference when it comes to fire safety for pets. They can help you ensure your pets are protected no matter what.
Caring for Dogs After a Fire
No matter how well you follow pet fire safety guidelines, they still might get burned. For instance, a dog parent, u/Leona_K, shares their experience on Reddit, “I made HOT chamomile tea and my 3-month-old puppy was behind and I swear to God I didn’t see her and I accidentally spilled tea on her ear as I turned around and the glass was full.”
So, it’s important to understand what you can do as a pet owner in such circumstances.
Burns in dogs can happen from hot surfaces like stoves or hot pavement, flames, chemical burns, or electricity. The most common are thermal burns, caused by heat or steam. Burns are classified by degree, as per Animal Emergency Care:
- First-degree burns affect the outer skin and usually heal quickly.
- Second-degree burns damage deeper layers and can blister or become infected.
- Third-degree burns destroy all skin layers and may impact muscles or bones.
If you’re wondering how to treat a burn on a dog’s skin, first rinse the affected area gently with cool water and seek veterinary advice. Never apply ointments without guidance. Your vet will assess the burn severity and may recommend antibiotics, daily bandages, IV fluids, or surgery to prevent infection.
In cases of smoke inhalation, dogs may have breathing issues, vomiting, or pale gums.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How to treat a burned dog paw?
Dr. Lauren Jones says, “Treatment depends on the extent of the burn on the dog.” They usually require veterinary care, antibiotics, and bandaging to prevent infection. Limit exercise, avoid hot surfaces, and prevent licking. Healing time varies from days to weeks.
How to treat a dog’s burn wound?
To treat a dog’s burn wound, rinse with cool water, keep it clean, prevent licking with a collar, apply vet-prescribed medication, and seek immediate veterinary care for proper assessment and treatment.
How to treat brush burn on dogs?
A brush burn, or slicker burn, is a skin irritation caused by overbrushing or using the wrong grooming tool, especially on wet or sensitive skin. Common signs include redness, sensitivity, and excessive licking. To treat a brush burn, clean the affected area, apply pet-safe ointment, and prevent licking with a cone.
