External Bleeding/Lacerations/Wounds

Signs/Symptoms

1. Active bleeding
2. Animal licking an area excessively (look for small wounds - if you find one wound, always look for others).

Treatment

Whenever you see blood, don't panic. Remember, a little blood can look like a lot. Stay calm and work through the steps outlined below in a methodical manner. Then get your animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Wear latex gloves.

If treating a dog for anything but minor cuts, muzzle the animal for your own safety (see Moving An Injured Cat, Moving an Injured Dog).

1. If the animal is bleeding profusely, apply direct pressure to the wound with a nonstick sterile pad. Most external bleeding can be controlled this way. Do this until the flow of blood from the wound slows somewhat to enable you to perform the remaining steps below. (Note: If the flow of blood does not appear to be slowing down, apply direct pressure intermittently while performing the remaining steps below.)

2. Cut or clip hair from the area if possible using the blunt-tipped curved scissors.

3. Clean the area with warm water and a gentle disinfectant or with the hydrogen peroxide (using a clean cloth, sponge, etc.)

4. Perform a second cleaning with povidone-iodine wipes.

5. Apply a light layer of triple antibiotic ointment.

6. Cover with gauze dressing pads.

7. Wrap firmly (but not too tightly) with the gauze roll bandage.

8. Secure the wrap with the adhesive tape.

9. For anything but minor cuts, get the injured animal to a veterinarian immediately.

Warning: Do not use a tourniquet if at all possible. Use only after attempting all of the above (short of getting to a veterinarian obviously), and then only if it appears to be a case of life over limb! To make a tourniquet, tightly wrap the gauze roll bandage several times around the injured limb between the wound and the animal's heart, and insert a stick, twig, pencil or similar object into the wrap. Twist the stick/twig/pencil to control the bleeding, securing it in place with the adhesive tape. Keep in mind, however, that pet owners often do more harm than good by resorting to such extreme measures to stem the flow of blood.)