If your pet is bleeding significantly, then it is essential that you seek veterinary attention immediately. Cats and dogs are much smaller than us, and a small amount of blood loss can be critical due to their size. Depending on the location, a wound or ruptured abscess can result in significant blood loss. Sometimes it is hard to know how much blood has been lost as cats and dogs are good at cleaning this away by licking and grooming.
If ongoing bleeding is occurring, it is important to minimise the loss of blood. First aid should be initiated as soon as possible and continued until you have reached your veterinarian.
Steps to stop bleeding in cats and dogs
If there is evidence of external bleeding from a wound or injury:
- Keep calm
- Stay calm and keep your pet as calm as possible. The less they move, the better.
- Be careful! If your cat is scared and in pain, even the most good-natured one may bite you without meaning to. It sometimes helps to wrap them gently in a towel for transport.
- Apply pressure
- The aim is to stop bleeding fast
- Use a clean cloth, gauze, or bandage to apply firm pressure the wound area for 5-10 minutes. One from a human first aid kit is appropriate or a clean, dry Towel, face cloth or tea towel can be used.
- If active bleeding has stopped, gently bandage the area to keep pressure on the wound as you make your way to the veterinarian. Do not bandage too tightly, as this can cause further damage.
- The amount of blood present on the bandage can be useful in estimating the volume of blood lost, so please retain the bandages if you need to change them on your way.
- Elevate the injury
- If possible, elevate the injured limb above the animal’s heart
- If this is causing distress or significant movement, it is better that your pet stays calm and still.
- Seek veterinary attention ASAP
- Call ahead and let the emergency veterinarian know you are on your way.
- They will also advise on any further measures you should take before you arrive.
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Can pets get internal bleeding?
Bleeding into the chest or abdomen can also be life-threatening. It can occur for a number of reasons, including trauma, tumours or eating rodenticide (rat and mouse poison or the dead rodents). You may see no external signs of bleeding, but it can be rapidly fatal. Signs of internal bleeding include weakness or collapse, cold extremities, bruising, pale gums, difficulty breathing and a swollen belly. In other cases, the only sign of internal bleeding may be tiredness (lethargy), a change in behaviour or inappetence.
Cats and dogs can be particularly good at hiding illness. If you are concerned, so are we. If your pet has lost a significant amount of blood, has a wound, abscess or if you think they may have internal bleeding, it is best to have them checked as soon as possible. Make your way immediately to your closest veterinarian and call ahead to advise that you are on your way.
🐾 MediPaws in Sydney’s Inner West is available 24/7 to support you and your pet with experienced emergency vets and dedicated cat facilities. Contact us now or visit our emergency page to find out how we can help.
