🩸 Bleeding in Pets: 2025 Vet First Aid Guide for External & Internal Hemorrhage 🐶🆘

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc 🩺

Bleeding is one of the most urgent emergencies pet owners may face. Whether caused by trauma, bite wounds, or poisoning, rapid blood loss can quickly lead to shock—and even death—if not managed swiftly and correctly. In this vet-approved 2025 first aid guide, I’ll walk you through how to identify bleeding, control it safely at home or during transport, and know when to seek immediate veterinary attention. 🧷🐾

🚨 Understanding Bleeding Emergencies

There are two types of bleeding to recognize:

• 🔴 External bleeding – visible blood from cuts, bites, or lacerations
• ⚠️ Internal bleeding – hidden bleeding in the chest or abdomen, not visible

Even a small amount of blood loss can trigger shock. Just 2 teaspoons of blood per pound of body weight is enough to cause life-threatening changes. 🚨

🩹 How to Control External Bleeding

Use the following first aid techniques in order of preference:

1. ✋ Direct Pressure (First Line Defense)

• Use a clean cloth, sanitary pad, or gauze pad
• Press gently but firmly on the wound
• If blood soaks through, add more layers—do not remove the original pad

⛑️ Apply pressure for several minutes continuously to help blood clot. This is the safest and most effective method to control bleeding.

2. 🦵 Elevation (for Limbs)

• Raise the limb above heart level if safe to do so
• Continue direct pressure at the same time

Elevation reduces blood pressure at the wound site and helps slow the bleeding. It's most effective in larger pets with long limbs. 🐕🆙

3. ➕ Arterial Pressure Points

If bleeding persists despite pressure and elevation, apply pressure to the nearest artery supplying the wound:

• 🦵 Femoral artery – inside of rear leg
• 🦾 Brachial artery – inside of front leg
• 🐕‍🦺 Caudal artery – base of the tail

Use your finger or thumb and apply steady pressure, along with continued direct pressure on the wound. 🖐️💢

4. 🪢 Tourniquet (LAST RESORT ONLY)

Use a tourniquet only for life-threatening bleeding when all other methods have failed and the limb is not expected to be saved.

• Use a 2-inch wide cloth or gauze
• Wrap around the limb, tie a knot, and twist using a stick to tighten
• Secure and note the time of application
• Loosen every 20 minutes for 15 seconds

⚠️ WARNING: Tourniquets can cause nerve damage, limb loss, or permanent disability. Do not use unless absolutely necessary. 🚫

❓ How to Spot Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is not visible, but may be just as deadly. It’s most often caused by blunt trauma (like being hit by a car), poisoning (e.g., rodenticide), or rupture of internal organs.

Common Signs of Internal Bleeding:

• 😨 Weakness, collapse, or lethargy
• 🤢 Pale or white gums
• 🥶 Cold limbs, ears, or tail
• 💉 Coughing up blood (in chest bleeds)
• 📉 Rapid heartbeat or breathing

📞 These signs are an emergency. Transport your pet to the vet immediately. Internal bleeding is fatal without veterinary intervention. 🏥🩺

🧰 Emergency Tips for Pet Owners

• 🧤 Protect yourself – use gloves or wrap pets in towels to prevent bites
• 🔕 Keep your pet calm and quiet to avoid increasing heart rate
• 🚗 Drive smoothly to minimize stress during transport

🚫 What NOT to Do

• ❌ Don’t remove soaked pads—this removes vital clots
• ⚠️ Don’t use home remedies like cornstarch or cayenne pepper
• 🩹 Don’t apply ointments or creams until cleared by your vet

📦 Bleeding First Aid Kit Essentials

Every pet parent should keep a first aid kit on hand. Essentials include:

• 🩺 Gauze pads and rolls
• 🧻 Clean cloths or sanitary pads
• 🧴 Antiseptic wipes
• 🩹 Self-adhesive wrap (Vetrap)
• 🪢 Tourniquet cloth (for emergency use only)
• 🧷 Blunt scissors, gloves, muzzle

📲 Need Help Managing Bleeding? Ask A Vet Anytime

If your pet is bleeding and you’re unsure what to do, don’t wait. The Ask A Vet app provides 24/7 access to professional guidance, even during emergencies:

• 💬 Chat live with licensed vets
• 📸 Send photos of injuries or bleeding areas
• 📋 Get step-by-step first aid instructions

Visit AskAVet.com or download the app to prepare for any emergency. Stay calm, act quickly, and help your pet recover safely. 🐾🩸💪