Pet first aid - Managing a bleeding wound at home.

When it comes to our furry friends, their safety and health are our top priorities. Accidents can happen at any time, and being prepared to manage a bleeding wound at home is essential for every pet owner. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to handle a bleeding wound in your dog or cat, empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to act in emergencies and give you extra time to control the situation before making it to your vet for further assessment.

Recognizing a Bleeding Wound

Being able to identify a bleeding wound quickly can be crucial for effective treatment. Wounds vary in severity, from minor cuts to serious injuries that need immediate veterinary care. Look for these key signs:

• Blood: Notice the amount and color. Bright red blood indicates a fresh wound, while dark or dried blood may mean the wound is older. For context, minor cuts might release a few drops, but larger wounds can release a full stream of bright red blood.

  
  

• Swelling and Inflammation: The area around the wound may show signs of swelling or be red and warm to the touch.

  
  

• Pain Reaction: Observe your pet for signs of pain, such as whining, licking the wound repeatedly, or being hesitant to move. Pets often hide pain, so pay close attention to changes in their behavior. You also need to be careful handling a pet in pain - as they may instinctively act by growling and biting in response to the pain.

  
  

Recognizing these symptoms helps determine the urgency of your response.

Gather Your Supplies

Pet first aid kit with essential supplies.

Before you start treatment, prepare a first aid kit with the necessary supplies to ensure effective care. Recommended items include:

• Disposable gloves to ensure hygiene if possible

• Flush

• Sterile gauze pads or soft bandage padding

• Adhesive tape or self-adhesive bandages

• Tweezers for removing foreign objects

  
  

Having these supplies readily available can make the first aid process smoother and quicker, which is crucial in emergencies.

Controlling the Bleeding

The first goal in managing a bleeding wound is to stop or slow the bleeding effectively. Here’s some simple steps on how to do this:

1. Calm Your Pet: Speak softly to your pet to reduce stress and movement. Holding them gently can also help.
   

2. Flush the wound gently: You may use sterile water, normal saline or just regular clean tap water if that is all you have. Flow water from above the wound, aiming downwards to ensure gravity helps flush contaminated aspects down and out of the wound.

   
   

3. Apply Pressure: Use sterile gauze pads or soft bandaging to apply firm yet gentle pressure over the bleeding area to help slow bleeding and support clot formation.

   
   

4. Apply self adhesive bandaging: Apply self adhesive bandaging over the gauze/ soft bandaging to enable an extra layer of compression. It is important to ensure this is not too tight, so as to not act like a tourniquet and prevent blood flow completely to the site.

Recognizing When to Seek Veterinary Care

While you can manage many minor wounds at home, it's crucial to know when to contact a veterinarian:

• Deep Wounds: If the wound appears deep or exposes underlying tissues or muscle, seek immediate veterinary assistance.

  
  

• Large Amounts of Blood: If your pet is losing significant amounts of blood or the bleeding does not stop, get help from a vet right away.

  
  

• Signs of Infection: Look for symptoms such as swelling, redness, pus, or persistent pain.

  
  

• Behavioral Changes: If your pet is lethargic, refuses to eat, or displays abnormal behavior, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

  
  

Being vigilant about these signs can be lifesaving for your pet. While managing a bleeding wound at home can be intimidating, with the right knowledge and resources, you can confidently care for minor injuries and recognize when to seek professional help. Always prioritize your pet's health and safety. Keep these instructions on hand, and stay prepared for any future emergencies involving your beloved companion. For an easy video reference on this topic - please click here or watch our recent Vet Tea-Vee episode below.

Written by:

Dr Tegan Hadley

BSC (hons), DVM