Warning signs
- Visible bleeding from an area of the body
- Evident laceration or cut
- The dog persistently licks an area
- Sudden limping or difficulty bearing weight on a limb
- Localised swelling after trauma
What to do immediately
- 1Apply pressure to the wound with a clean gauze or clean cloth
- 2Maintain constant pressure for 5–10 minutes without removing
- 3Keep the dog still and calm
- 4Gently clean with saline solution if available
- 5See the veterinarian if the wound is deep or does not stop bleeding
What NOT to do
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide on deep wounds
- Do not remove objects embedded in the wound
- Do not apply alcohol directly to the injury
- Do not bandage too tightly as to cut off circulation
Call the vet immediately if
- Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure
- Deep wound or wound with separated edges
- Object embedded in the wound
- Wound near the eyes, neck, or abdomen
