Bleeding
- Apply direct pressure to the site of the bleeding using gauze or clean cloth.
- If necessary, apply pressure to the supplying artery and/or pressure above and below the wound.
- Elevate the wound unless the affected area seems to be broken.
- Check for signs of shock.
- Keep the animal as still as possible.
- Wrap gauze or soft material around the wound and secure it with tape.
- Take your pet immediately to the vet.
- if bleeding soaks through, apply more gauze - don't remove the gauze that is already in place. You do not want to disturb any clots that have formed or are in place.
- Do not use a tourniquet to stop the bleeding except as a last resort.
- Do not allow your pet to move about.
- Do not apply any medications.
- If there is any swelling above or below the bandage, it is too tight and needs to be loosened.
- In a traumatic injury, do not assume that there is no internal bleeding because there is no bleeding from the mouth or nose. INTERNAL BLEEDING CANNOT BE SEEN FROM THE OUTSIDE.