Pet CPR + First Aid Certification Manual: Bleeding

Bleeding

Bleeding in dogs and cats may be external, where blood leaves the body through a wound, or internal, where bleeding occurs inside the body and may not be visible. Significant bleeding can become life-threatening and requires prompt veterinary care.

External Bleeding

External bleeding occurs when blood exits the body through a wound. Apply firm direct pressure with clean gauze or cloth. Maintain pressure until the bleeding slows or stops, and avoid repeatedly lifting the dressing to check the wound. Once significant bleeding is controlled, protect the wound with a clean dressing when appropriate.

For a bleeding foot-pad wound, the same principle applies: the first action is to apply firm direct pressure with a clean cloth. Foot pads are well supplied with blood vessels and can bleed heavily even from a relatively minor wound.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding may occur after trauma, falls, vehicle accidents, or other serious injuries and may not be visible.

Possible signs include:

• Weakness or collapse
• Pale or white gums
• Rapid or difficult breathing
• Swollen or painful abdomen
• Reduced responsiveness
• Unusual weakness or behavior

Suspected internal bleeding is an emergency. Keep the pet calm, limit unnecessary movement, and seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Arterial Bleeding

Arterial bleeding results from damage to an artery and may appear bright red and pulse or spurt from the wound. This is a serious emergency. Apply firm direct pressure and seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Venous Bleeding

Venous bleeding results from damage to a vein and may appear dark red with a steady flow. Apply firm direct pressure. Significant or persistent venous bleeding requires prompt veterinary care.

Capillary Bleeding

Capillary bleeding occurs from small blood vessels near the skin surface and usually appears as slow oozing or a small amount of bleeding.

Minor capillary bleeding often stops with gentle direct pressure. Once controlled, rinse and protect the wound as appropriate.

First Aid Steps for External Bleeding

1. Ensure scene safety
2. Use gloves or other PPE if available
3. Keep the pet as calm and still as possible
4. Apply firm direct pressure over the bleeding area with clean gauze or cloth
5. Maintain continuous pressure until the bleeding slows or stops
6. If blood soaks through the first dressing, place additional gauze or cloth over it rather than repeatedly removing the original dressing
7. Once significant bleeding is controlled, cover the wound with a clean dressing when appropriate
8. Seek veterinary care for severe, persistent, or unexplained bleeding

When Emergency Veterinary Care Is Needed

Seek emergency veterinary care for:

• Bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure
• Rapid or heavy bleeding
• Suspected internal bleeding
• Pale or white gums
• Weakness, collapse, or reduced responsiveness
• Difficulty breathing
• Significant trauma
• Deep wounds or wounds involving major blood vessels
• Any serious or worsening condition

Pet first aid is intended to provide immediate basic care while veterinary assistance is being arranged. It does not replace professional veterinary treatment.