Assess the Situation and Act Quickly
If your dog is bleeding, the first step is to quickly assess the situation to determine the source and severity of the bleeding. Look over your dog’s body to locate any visible wounds that may be the source of external bleeding. Apply direct pressure on any external wounds with a clean cloth or towel to control blood loss.
Severe or internal bleeding warrants an emergency trip to the vet right away. Look for symptoms like weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing and heart rate, and collapse. This indicates serious blood loss that needs professional veterinary treatment. Call your vet to let them know you’re on your way if bleeding seems uncontrollable or your dog is showing signs of shock.
For less severe external bleeding that you can control with applied pressure, you may be able to care for your dog at home after the initial assessment. But continued bleeding or any signs of internal injury still require veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
Apply Direct Pressure
Applying direct pressure is one of the most effective ways to stop bleeding from a wound on your dog. The pressure helps the blood clot by keeping the wound closed. Grab a clean towel, cloth, gauze pad or even piece of clothing and place it directly over the wound. Apply firm pressure by pressing on the material over the injury. The key is constant force to staunch the flow of blood.
Do not lift or remove the dressing you are using to apply pressure. If blood soaks through, add more layers of fabric or material on top of the first. Keep applying pressure until the bleeding stops. This may take several minutes of steady force. Do not peek or lift the bandage to check bleeding, as it will disrupt clotting. Simply add more absorbent material and continue the direct pressure technique.
Elevate the Wound
If the bleeding wound is located on one of your dog’s limbs, gently raise that limb above the level of your dog’s heart. This will help slow the blood flow to the wound thanks to gravity, giving the blood more time to clot and reducing blood loss. For example, if your dog has a bleeding wound on one of his front legs, gently lift that leg up so that the elbow is higher than the heart. Try to avoid moving the injured limb excessively, which could disrupt any clots that are beginning to form. Support the limb with a towel or blanket to make it easier to keep elevated. Keep the limb raised until the bleeding has slowed significantly or completely stopped. This is an easy and effective way to give your dog’s blood more time to clot and prevent excess blood loss from an injured limb.
Use Blood Stopping Agents
Styptic powders or gels help clot blood. These products contain chemical compounds that constrict blood vessels and encourage clot formation. Common ingredients include ferric subsulfate, aluminum sulfate, benzocaine, and adrenaline. Styptics are available at pharmacies and pet supply stores. Follow label directions closely when applying the powder or gel. Apply a small amount directly on the wound and hold steady pressure for 1-2 minutes. This gives the styptic time to work. The bleeding should stop. If not, you can apply more styptic and continue pressure. But do not overload the wound, as too much styptic can irritate the injury. Use sparingly and precisely on the bleed spot only.
Make a Pressure Bandage
Once direct pressure has been applied, you’ll want to wrap the wound to maintain that pressure. This helps control bleeding by putting sustained pressure on blood vessels.
To make a pressure bandage:
- Wrap the wounded area with a sterile bandage, gauze, or a clean cloth. Make sure the wrapping fully covers the dressing you’ve already applied.
- Wrap the bandage firmly around the wound, but not so tight that it restricts blood flow. You should be able to slip two fingers between the bandage and skin.
- Secure the bandage with medical tape, a strip of cloth, or a homemade tie. Just be sure it’s tight enough to maintain pressure on the wound.
A pressure bandage compresses the wound and damaged vessels, promoting clotting. It also absorbs any additional bleeding while keeping the wound clean. Keep pressure on the bandage until the bleeding stops. Monitor it closely and don’t remove it until you can get veterinary care.
Limit Activity
If your dog has a significant cut that is bleeding heavily, it is important to restrict their movement to prevent re-opening the wound and causing additional blood loss. Limit your dog’s activity for at least 24-48 hours after bleeding has been controlled and the wound initially treated. Keep your dog calm and quiet during this time – confine them in a crate or small room if necessary. Walk your dog on a leash only for bathroom breaks during this time, avoiding running, jumping, or playing which could tear the wound back open. Restrict access to stairs, furniture, and toys that could get your dog excited. Your dog may resist being so limited, but it is for their own good. Allowing proper rest gives the wound time to begin healing and prevents further blood loss. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on appropriate activity levels as your dog recovers. With proper limitation on activity, you can help your dog avoid aggravating the wound and needing additional emergency treatment.
Watch for Signs of Shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition that can occur when a dog loses a significant amount of blood. Some signs to watch for include:
Weakness: The dog may appear very lethargic or have difficulty standing up.
Pale gums: Check the color of your dog’s gums – they should be pink. If they appear very pale or white, this indicates anemia and oxygen deprivation.
Rapid breathing: Watch for abnormal or rapid breathing. This is the body’s attempt to compensate for low oxygen levels.
Lethargy: The dog may seem extremely tired, unwilling or unable to move around. This lethargy results from low blood pressure and lack of oxygen to the tissues.
If you observe any of these shock symptoms in a dog that has been bleeding, immediate veterinary care is required. Shock is a true medical emergency and any delay could be life-threatening. Call your vet right away or get the dog to an emergency animal hospital immediately. With prompt treatment, dogs can recover from hemorrhagic shock, but it requires intensive medical intervention. Do not wait to see if signs improve on their own.
Monitor Bleeding
Once you have applied pressure and controlled the bleeding, it’s important to continue monitoring the wound site. Check often that the bleeding has stopped completely. Gently lift the bandage or move your hand to peek at the wound every 5-10 minutes. If you see that blood is still oozing or dripping, re-apply direct pressure immediately. You may need to hold pressure for up to 30 minutes total for the bleeding to fully cease. If the blood soaks through the bandage or compress, do not remove it – simply add more layers of cloth or gauze on top and continue applying firm pressure. Monitor the dog closely and never leave an actively bleeding wound unattended. The key is to keep constant pressure on the wound until the blood has clotted and bleeding fully stops.
Get Veterinary Care
Severe bleeding requires professional treatment. If the blood does not stop after 10 minutes of applied pressure, take your dog to the vet immediately. Uncontrolled bleeding can quickly become life-threatening.
Your vet will assess the wound and determine if stitches or surgery are needed to stop the bleeding and close the wound. They may use chemical cauterization, clotting agents, or blood transfusions to help control blood loss.
Seeking prompt veterinary care gives your dog the best chance of recovery. Even after bleeding is under control, your vet will want to monitor for signs of shock and infection in the following days.
Prevent Future Injury
While it’s often impossible to prevent accidental injuries that lead to bleeding, there are some precautions you can take to avoid these dangerous situations:
- Keep your dog confined or leashed when outdoors to avoid running free and getting into trouble.
- Dog-proof your home and yard by removing sharp objects, anchoring furniture, covering hard surfaces with carpets, and keeping chemicals/cleaners locked away.
- Trim your dog’s nails regularly to avoid scratches.
- Use a crate or barrier when traveling in vehicles.
- Invest in high-quality leashes/collars and inspect them for wear.
- Consider a first aid kit for your home and car in case of emergencies.
While accidents can still happen, taking precautions reduces the risk of traumatic injuries that lead to excessive bleeding in dogs. Stay vigilant and keep your dog’s safety in mind.