Pet CPR + First Aid Certification Manual: Bleeding

External Bleeding

External bleeding is any time blood has exited the body through a wound. An example of external bleeding is a cut that is visibly bleeding.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is any time a pet is bleeding inside his/her body, but it cannot be seen. A minor example of internal bleeding is a bruise.

Arterial Bleeding

Arterial bleeding is caused by a damaged or cut artery.

Appearance:  Bright red, Spurting movement with the heart beat

Severity:  Critical

Capillary (superficial) Bleeding

Capillary bleeding is surface level bleeding caused by damaged capillaries.

Appearance:  Red, Trickle movement that often clots and stops quickly

Severity:  Minor

Venous Bleeding

Venous bleeding is caused by a damaged or cut vein.

Appearance:  Dark red, Oozing movement with the heart beat

Severity:  Very

First Aid Steps:

1. Ensure scene safety

2. Get PPE and first aid kit

3. Apply direct pressure and treat in accordance with the type of wound

4. Take your pet to the veterinarian