Wounds and bleeding: how to act
Knowing how to react to a wound keeps it from getting worse. The priority is to stop the bleeding, keep the area clean and decide whether it needs the vet. Stay calm: most small wounds are controlled with pressure.
How to stop bleeding step by step
- Apply firm, constant pressure with clean gauze or cloth, without lifting it to look.
- If it soaks through, don't remove it: put another pad on top and keep pressing.
- If it is on a leg, raise it above the heart while you press.
- Hold the pressure for at least 5 minutes straight before checking.
- If it doesn't stop, keep pressing and go to the vet.
What to do by type of wound
| Type | What to do |
|---|---|
| Scratch or superficial cut | Clean with saline, pet-safe antiseptic, cover loosely |
| Deep or wide cut | Pressure for the bleeding and go to the vet (may need stitches) |
| Heavy or spurting bleeding | Firm sustained pressure, raise the limb, emergency now |
| Bite | Rinse, don't close it; always to the vet (high infection risk) |
| Torn nail that bleeds | Pressure; if it continues, vet. Don't pull off the loose piece |
| Embedded object | Do NOT pull it out; immobilise around it and go |
Minor wounds: how to treat them at home
Flush with saline solution to wash away dirt and apply a pet-safe antiseptic (chlorhexidine); avoid alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, which damage tissue. Carefully trim the fur around it if it gets in the way, cover it loosely and stop the animal licking it (a cone helps). Over the following days, watch that it doesn't redden, swell or ooze.
When to see the vet
- Bleeding that won't stop after several minutes of pressure or that spurts.
- A deep, wide or dirt-embedded wound.
- Bites (they infect easily) and wounds to the eyes, chest or abdomen.
- An embedded object, or signs of infection (heat, swelling, pus, bad smell).
What the vet will do
They will clean the wound thoroughly, assess its depth and may suture, place a drain or dressing, and prescribe antibiotics and pain relief if needed. Bites are often left open to drain and control infection. They will also check vaccination status.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use hydrogen peroxide?
Better not: it damages tissue and delays healing. Clean with saline and use a pet-safe antiseptic such as chlorhexidine.
When do you use a tourniquet?
Only as a last resort, for severe limb bleeding that won't stop with pressure, knowing it can damage the limb. When in doubt, firm direct pressure and go to the vet.
Should I close the wound myself?
No. Closing a dirty wound or a bite encourages infection. Clean it, control the bleeding and let the vet decide whether to suture.
A stick or glass is stuck in it, do I pull it out?
Don't pull it out: it may be plugging a vessel and removing it worsens the bleeding. Immobilise the area around it and go to the vet immediately.
How do I stop it licking the wound?
With a cone or a protective garment. Licking reopens the wound, delays healing and infects it.
The wound is small but it is a bite, do I still go?
Yes. Bites look small on the surface but cause deep damage and infection. Always have it assessed by the vet and often given antibiotics.
This is first-aid guidance only and does not replace a vet's diagnosis. In any emergency, contact a professional.
