How to Take Care of Your Dog If It Bleeds

Bleeding dogs require immediate care, whether the wound is superficial or severe. Internal bleeding should be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. If your dog is bleeding from an external wound, you can apply dog first aid techniques until you can get to a vet.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloths and/or gauze pads
• Wound cleanser
• Styptic powder

Instructions

1. Press clean cloths or gauze pads against the wound. Be aware that your dog is probably in pain and may try to bite you when you do this. If another person (who is familiar with the dog) is nearby, call him over to assist you.

2. Apply gentle pressure to the cloths on the wound with your hand. In many cases, this will be sufficient to staunch the bleeding. If you have styptic powder available, apply a little to a minor, shallow bleeding wound--bleeding should cease quickly. You can find this powder at many pet stores (and you can sometimes find it on the first aid aisle of grocery stores).

3. Add another cloth or pad on top of the first one if blood is seeping through. Do not lift the pad to check on the progress. Do not remove the first pad--doing so can make the wound bleed more. According to dog-first-aid-101.com, removing the pad can pull away any clot that may have started.

4. Apply pressure to a nearby artery if bleeding is massive. Important arteries to remember, according to dog-first-aid-101.com, are in the armpit, the inside of the thighs and under the tail (directly). For example, if your dog is bleeding heavily from a foreleg, apply direct pressure to its armpit--this may slow the bleeding. As soon as you can, get a dog bleeding this heavily to a vet clinic.

5. Call a veterinarian, if you haven't already, once heavy bleeding has stopped. She can instruct you on exactly what to do next. If the wound is a small wound (a small cut, for example) and is not an animal bite, clean it well with a sterile wound cleanser, place antibiotic ointment on a bandage and place it loosely over the wound.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog is bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, ears, rectum or genitals, take it to a veterinarian immediately. Your dog may have consumed a poison or have internal injuries.

• Keep a first aid kit specifically for your pets. You can make one yourself or buy one online (and from some pet supply stores). Keep the kit in an easy-to-reach place so you won't have to hunt for it in an emergency. Include bandages, wound cleaner and styptic powder at minimum.

• If the dog is bleeding profusely, don't hunt around for clean cloths or gauze pads--use whatever is available (including your own clothing) to staunch the blood flow.

• Even if the wound was small, watch for signs of infection (inflammation, discharge and redness). If these signs occur, get your dog to the vet.

References

• Dog First Aid 101: First Aid For Wounds
• Veterinary Partner: First Aid and Emergency Care