Dog bleeding is not uncommon for active canines. Thus, it is vital that one stop dog bleeding as quickly as possible to prevent excessive blood loss and shock.
When administering first aid to a dog that is bleeding, specific considerations will need to be taken for the location of the injury.
First Aid for Head, Ear or Torso Bleeding on a Dog
Dogs in pain or distress may act aggressively and bite a caretaker when its injuries are being treated. A dog may need to be restrained before first aid is administered.
A sterile gauze pad should be placed over the wound. One could also use a clean towel. If the injury is to a dog's ear, lift the ear above his head after covering the wound with a sterile dressing. Use torn rags, a sports bandage or other soft materials that are long enough to wrap around the dog and hold the gauze or dressing in place.
Transport a dog with an injury to the head, ear or torso to a veterinarian's office.
First Aid for a Bleeding Tail, Leg or Paw
The area around an injury or cut should have the fur around it clipped. Inspect the area for small rocks, debris or glass. Remove these items carefully with tweezers. Rinse the area gently with water. Isotonic saline can also be used to clean the injury.
Cover the cut with sterile dressing and press firmly on it to help stop the bleeding. If blood soaks through the dressing, do not remove it. Instead, add more layers of gauze or cloth and keep applying pressure until the bleeding subsides. If the bleeding has not stopped after 5 minutes, take the dog to a veterinary clinic after tying a sports bandage or other soft material around the dressing to make sure it does not come off.
If a bleeding dog nail is the issue, examine the nail to see the extent of the breakage. Clean the wound and cover it with gauze or sterile cloth. Apply pressure to the paw. After the bleeding has stopped, apply Betadine to help disinfect the injured nail. Seek veterinary care if the bleeding continues for more than 30 minutes.
First Aid for a Dog's Bleeding Chest or Abdomen
First aid for treating a dog bleeding from the chest or abdomen is very similar to treating a dog that is bleeding from the leg or paw. However, if a dog has an object, such as a stick, protruding from his body, do not try to remove it. The dog should be carefully and immediately transported to an emergency veterinary clinic.
If a wound in a dog's chest or abdomen produces a sucking noise, immediately cover it with sterile gauze so that air cannot go in or out of the wound. The dog should then receive immediate medical attention.
Practicing proper first aid techniques can help a dog avoid the consequences of excessive bleeding. Wounds that cause dog bleeding should be kept clean. Nolvasan, which contains chlorhexidine diacetate, can be used to help prevent infections.