First aid for dogs and cats
Heavy bleeding
Blood that is spurting, pouring, or soaking through a pad within minutes.
When to go to a vet
Heavy bleeding is an emergency. Call a vet and go now, keeping pressure on the wound on the way.
What to do
- Press a clean pad, cloth or towel firmly on the wound. Keep pressing.
- If blood soaks through, put another pad on top. Don't lift the first one off, as this can pull away the clot.
- If you can, wrap a bandage or strip of cloth firmly around the pad to hold it in place. It should be firm but not so tight that the paw swells or goes cold.
- Keep them warm and as still as possible.
Don't
- Don't use a tourniquet unless a vet tells you to. It can cause serious damage.
- Don't remove anything stuck in the wound. Pad around it instead.
Other first aid guides
First aid is not a substitute for a vet. If you're worried about your pet, call your vet.