First Aid – Stopping Severe Bleeding if Your Dog is Injured

Keeping a cool head when your dog is injured may mean the difference between life and death. If your dog is injured you will need to know some basic first aid principles to treat the injury at the scene. An animal hit by a moving vehicle should be assumed to have bleeding, either inside the body or visible outside bleeding.

Carefully examine the dog for bleeding injuries, and move him to a safe area. If you notice serious bleeding on the body here are some steps to follow to control blood loss.

Apply Direct Pressure

Direct pressure applied to the wound is the best way to control bleeding. Use a clean, dry towel to cover the wound and apply gentle, yet firm pressure to the area. If the towel becomes blood soaked, use another towel over the top of the first towel. Doing so will maintain the blood clot that is trying to form. Continue to apply pressure to the wound until bleeding slows. Then a bandage can be used to hold the clot in place.

Pressure Points

Occasionally, direct pressure will not stop the bleeding. You will need to identify the main artery supply to the bleeding body part and apply pressure to that point to lessen the flow of blood to the area. Using pressure points combined with continued direct pressure should stop or diminish bleeding, giving you time to rush your dog to the veterinarian.

There are five major pressure points that you should be aware of

1. Front Paw: Bleeding from the front paw can be diminished by placing your finger on the inside of the dog‘s lower limb and applying firm pressure on the artery.

2. Front Leg: Bleeding from the front leg can be diminished by placing your fingers on the artery on the inside of the dog’s upper foreleg. This artery is approximately at the mid-point between the shoulder and elbow. Place your thumb on the outside of the leg and apply firm pressure to the bone with your fingers.

3. Back paw. Back paw bleeding can be stopped by firmly placing your fingers on the front of the back leg above the paw while placing your thumb on the backside.

4. Back leg: Back leg bleeding can be diminished by placing the heel of you hand on the dog’s inner groin and thigh and pressing firmly.

5. Tail: The tail can bleed severely. Place your thumb on the middle part of the tail between the body and bleeding area. Wrap your fingers around the top and apply gentle, yet firm pressure with your thumb.

Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check for current specials on elevated dog feeders online.

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