Pet first aid insurance guide

Pet haemorrhage

The amount of bleeding will depend on where the injury is and how deep. Often the most dramatic haemorrhages come from a tiny but deep cut. Cuts to the tongue, footpads and muscle have a high blood supply and often bleed profusely. These may need to be stitched straight away, so take your dog to your vet without delay.

• Keep the area clean (use salt water). 1tbsp salt to 1 pint (500ml) water.
• Keep your pet warm as blood loss can make them go into shock. Wrap it in a blanket and keep it in a warm room.
• Apply firm pressure to stop the bleeding using a thick piece of gauze. Don't use cotton wool as the fibres may get stuck in the wound. Keep the pressure on for a few minutes and then check to see if you have staunched the flow.
• If the dog is still bleeding you will need to apply a pressure bandage to stop the bleeding. First put a sterile pad over the wound and then cotton wool followed by a bandage. Adding a few layers like this will stop the bleeding.
• Large muscle tears may be impossible to bandage so wrapping the dog in a clean sheet will keep it clean en route to the vet.

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