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Dog Bleeding"Dog bleeding and how to treat it depends on the area of your dog, the underlying cause and the size of the wound. In all cases apply pressure to the wound and consult with a veterinarian. Only the smallest surface wounds can be treated at home by applying pressure and then irrigating the wound." When you see your dog bleeding, it’s easy to panic, but it’s important for you to stay calm. Certain parts of your dog’s anatomy will bleed easily and more heavily than others - for instance, the feet will bleed heavily because there are so many blood vessels there, and the ears will bleed heavily because the skin over the ears is so thin. It is important to be prepared to apply first aid for dog bleeding if necessary. The type of first aid depends on the location and extent of the bleeding. You may need to restrain your dog in order to apply first aid. To safely restrain your dog, put a leash around his neck, then put the leash around a stationary object. Pull your dog against that object and tie the leash so that your dog can’t move his head. For dog bleeding on any part of the body, apply pressure with a gauze dressing or clean towel. If bleeding soaks through the dressing, don’t remove it; just put another dressing on top. If bleeding does not stop in five minutes, continue to apply pressure and take your dog to the vet. Apply pressure for 5 to 10 minutes. If you see any swelling in the limbs lessen the pressure. Transport your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. DO NOT put hydrogen peroxide on a wound as it might start the bleeding again. Also, do not wipe a wound that is stopped bleeding. Stop Dog Bleeding - Wound CareThere are several steps to treating a bleeding wound:1. Stop the Bleeding - If your dog is bleeding from a simple scratch or a wound that is under 1/2 inch in length, apply pressure using a sterile lint free bandage, gauze squares if you a clean cloth if that is all you have. 2. Clean the Wound - The wound should be flushed with either sotonic saline, Chlorhexidine diacetate 0.05% Do not use hydrogen peroxide as this will keep the blood from clotting in the wound. 3. Wound Irrigation - After using Nolvasan or Betadine, you need to flush the wound with water (your can add a drop of Betadine or Nolvasan). The wound should be "lavaged" or rinsed using a First Aid Bulb Syringe 4. Protect the wound if needed - If treating at home, bandages should be used to protect the wound area. Bandages should be wrapped around your dogs body and then taped from the end of the bandage to the rest of the bandage to keep it closed. Initially a "wet to dry" bandage (a bandage with a layer of saline soaked bandage) should be used. Once healing commences switch to a dry to dray bandage. The bandage should be changed 1x per day. Not all areas are easy to bandage. Use a bandage or Shirt if your dog is licking the wound. For minor scratches some owners like to apply an ointment made from natural substances to promote natural healing after the application of antibiotics. Pet Alive Wound Dr. is all natural and made specifically to help heal dog wounds. Dog Paw BleedingInjuries to the paw are often caused by glass, thorns, and other sharp objects. If necessary, clip the hair around the injured area so you can see it better. If you see any foreign objects, try to remove them with your fingers or with tweezers. If the tissue below the wound appears to pass by when you move the skin, it probably needs stitches.Flush the wound with water and apply a clean dressing. If the bleeding doesn’t stop in five minutes or if you think the wound may need stitches, take your dog to the vet. Dog Bleeding MouthBleeding from the mouth may mean that there is a severe wound. Take your dog to an emergency veterinary care center.Dog Bleeding from Rear or Dog Anal BleedingDog anal bleeding can be caused from a minor scratch or from something more serious such as parvovirus. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.Dog Pregnant but BleedingBleeding from the vulva could mean a miscarriage or gynecological infection.Female Dog BleedingA female dog that is bleeding and who is not in heat may be suffering from a gynecological infection called Pyometra. This condition involves an infection in the womb resulting in green or red thick discharge. This is a serious problem that may require surgery to save your dog's life and in severe cases removal of the ovaries and the womb.If the blood is thin then it could be an Ovarian Cyst. Treatment involves hormone therapy or a hysterectomy. Dog Ears BleedingIf your dog has an itchy ear, it may result in scratching. Too much scratching will cause bleeding in the area between the skin and the cartilage of the ear flap (called a aural hematoma). The ear flap itself would be painful, warm to the touch and swollen.It is not known what causes aural hematomas. Treatment involves surgery to remove the blood clot causing the condition. While surgery is not needed in all cases, most cases require this course of treatment. If you do not do the surgery the irritation may not go away. Dog Bleeding from PenisDog bleeding from the penis can be due to a bladder infection or prostate problem. Injuries to the penis such as if your dog was in a fight with another dog could also be the cause. Given the need for treatment see your veterinarian immediately.Bleeding Chest or AbdomenIf there is an injury to the chest and you can hear a “sucking” sound, bandage the wound tightly enough to prevent air from entering and take your dog to the vet immediately.If you see the wound and it is smaller than 1/2 inch, then apply pressure and see if the bleeding stops. If it doesn't then a stitch might be needed. Wrap a crepe bandage around your dog's body and then hold in place with tape on the bandage surface only. If there is a protruding object, like an arrow, do NOT try to remove it. Instead, put gauze dressings or clean towels around the entry point and tape them in place. Take your dog to the vet immediately. Otherwise, treat as you would any other dog bleeding. Apply pressure and if the wound does not stop bleeding in five minutes or if you think it may need stitches, take your dog to the vet. Sources:Washington State UniversityCollege of Veterinary MedicineG. Ter Haar, DVM, DECVS Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook From Dog Bleeding to Dog Health Guide Home
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10% solution (not as affective against all bacteria). If it looks like the wound will not close or the skin that is closing the wound looks pale or wrong, then you should take your dog to a veterinarian for stitches. Small wounds can be helped with a topical cream such as Furacin, Silvadene or antibiotic such as bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin B (triple antibiotic). These can be placed on the wound or can be put on the gauze first and then placed on the wound.