Dog Bleeding

Bleeding
Possible Causes:
Animal bites, fighting, injury
What to Do:
1. Cover the wound with a piece of sterile gauze or a clean washcloth and apply direct pressure to the wound site. If blood soaks through the covering, apply more cloth or gauze over the wound, repeating as necessary.
2. If the bleeding doesn't stop and the wound is spurting (which indicates a cut artery), apply pressure to the area just above the wound with your hand. If the wound is oozing but not spurting, apply pressure below the wound.
3. If the wound is still bleeding, apply a pressure bandage by wrapping gauze or another soft material around the wound. Check periodically for swelling.
4. If the wound is on a limb and the limb is not broken, elevate it above your dog's heart to slow the bleeding.
5. If the wound is spurting and continues to bleed after Steps 1 through 4 have been completed, apply a tourniquet. To make a tourniquet, tie a piece of gauze or cloth above the wound. Make a loop and insert a stick in the loop. Twist the stick until the bleeding is under control. Be sure to loosen the tourniquet for two to three minutes every 30 minutes to allow blood to flow into the limb.
What Not to Do:
1. Do not remove the gauze or cloth from the wound because this can dislodge a formed clot and restart bleeding.
2. Do not use neck pressure on animals with head injuries.
When to Call the Vet or Transport to a Veterinary Hospital:
Transport immediately if the bleeding is severe and cannot be stopped if the wound needs cleaning or stitches or if there is an embedded object.
Where to Look for More Information:
Wounds and Bleeding