First Aid – Dog Bleeding
Many dogs have died from shock resulting from profuse bleeding. External bleeding can be easily seen but a dog owner has to recognize the symptoms that the pet is bleeding internally to be able to rush the pet to a veterinary facility as there is no first aid for internal bleeding. A dog’s natural behavior of jumping, running, exploring and chasing prey oftentimes result to accidents. Administering first aid is one of the responsibilities of pet owners. In case of emergency situations involving the pet, the owner should remain calm in order to perform the necessary measures that can save the dog’s life.
Because of the inquisitive and energetic nature, dogs seem to have an invisible magnet for accidents. A dog owner therefore has to have the ability to apply first aid to the pet. Luckily, the injuries commonly sustained by dogs are not serious and can be treated using a dog’s first aid kit. For serious injuries that need professional medical care, the owner’s first aid know how will be important to stabilize the pet before it is transported to the veterinary facility.
Dogs can bleed a lot. Even nail trimming can make a dog bleed. The bleeding of a nail cut too short would seem to be profuse but this is not a serious condition as the bleeding can be easily resolved with Kwik Stop. What first aid methods can you administer to a dog with a profusely bleeding wound?
Pet owners should not be daunted in giving first aid to the pet as the methods would be pretty much the same as the first aid for humans. Bleeding must be controlled as two teaspoons of blood lost for every pound of body weight can make a dog go into shock. To stem the bleeding, a bandage or a towel applied directly to the wound will put on pressure that will control bleeding. Another towel must be placed on top of the one already soaked to maintain pressure. To reduce bleeding, the injured body part must be elevated above the heart. Excessive bleeding can be controlled by applying pressure to the pressure points. Heavy bleeding can be stopped with tourniquet but this method is dangerous and must only be done by a qualified person or it can result to the amputation of a limb.
Internal bleeding is rather hard to recognize as no bleeding will be noticed in the dog. A dog hit by a car or one that has fallen from heights can have internal bleeding. Typical symptoms of internal bleeding are pale gums, weak pulse and shallow breathing. There is no first aid for a dog that is bleeding internally. The pet must have immediate medical attention.
Bleeding? More information on this and first aid for dogs can be found at Sarah’s Dogs.