First aid
Dog Bleeding: How to Stop Heavy Bleeding
Blood spurting or pooling from a wound.
By Pawfessor Editorial Team Reviewed by a veterinarianUpdated
Emergency: go to a vet now. Do these steps on the way to the vet, or while someone else calls ahead.
Heavy bleeding needs pressure and a vet, fast. Stay calm, protect yourself (an injured dog may bite) and call ahead to the clinic while someone drives if you can.
What to do
- Press a clean pad or cloth firmly on the wound
- Keep pressing for at least 5 minutes without peeking
- If blood soaks through, add more layers on top: don't remove the first
- Bandage the pad in place firmly (not so tight the toes swell)
- Get to a vet straight away
Don't
- Use a tourniquet unless your vet tells you to
- Pull out anything stuck in the wound: pad around it
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