Dog First Aid: Bleeds
|
What should I do if my dog is bleeding?
Just like us, dogs are prone to injury and we never know when it is going to happen. In this article, Dani Hickman of Dog First Aid Training, shares a recent case study, how to deal with a bleed and what you should have in your first aid kit.
Case Study
"Last week I was contacted by a dog walker, Sadie, who had just delivered one of her client's dogs to the vet. She called me to thank me for her training and to tell me what had happened", explains Dani.
The walk had been completely normal and unproblematic. However, once Sadie and the dog got onto tarmac, she noticed a lot of blood on the pavement which hadn't been visible whilst they were on grass.
Immediately Sadie performed a full body assessment and identified the issue - a wound that went completely through the paw. Sadie grabbed her first aid kit and applied firm pressure to the wound with gauze swabs for around a minute, before applying a pressure bandage.
"There was blood everywhere", explained Sadie. "It was really scary but I was so glad I had my first aid kit with me and knew what to do".
Sadie then called the vet to let them know she was on her way, and the owner of the dog who met her there. The wound needed 2 stitches and the dog is recovering well.
"Accidents can happen anywhere"
"Accidents like this can happen anywhere", explains Dani. "It is so important that people take a first aid kit with them on walks and know exactly how to use them".
- Examine your dog to identify where the blood is coming from
- Apply firm pressure to the wound using gauze swabs for at least a minute
- Apply a pressure bandage using a conforming bandage
- Take the dog to the vet - phone ahead to let them know you are coming.
To get 10% off a Dog First Aid Training course go to dog-first-aid.com/finder and book using the code YEARS10. You will be entered into a prize draw to win a dog first aid kit worth £25.
Contents include:
- 2 x 20ML PODS OF SALINE - to wash away dirt and debris from your pet's eyes and other areas, simply wipe away excess fluid.
- 1 x MEDIUM DRESSING BANDAGE WITH TIES to cover an injury, these have tie bandages attached, but do not fasten tightly. Use the microporous tape if additional retention is needed.
- 1 x LARGE DRESSING BANDAGE WITH TIES to cover a larger injury, these have tie bandages attached, but do not fasten tightly.
- 1 x FOIL BLANKET - to retain body warmth and help combat shock, use this to wrap your pet on the journey to the vets
- 5 x GAUZE SWABS - for cleaning up fluid or after saline use.
- 1 x MICROPOROUS TAPE - to help hold dressings or bandages in place.
- 1 x CONFORMING BANDAGE - if a sprain is suspected, use this around the limb and fasten with tape.
- 2 x PAIRS OF VINYL POWDER GLOVES
- 2 x PLASTIC POUCHES - to cover foot injuries and help keep them clean, fasten with tape.
- 4 x ALCOHOL FREE CLEANSING WIPES - to clean wounds prior to applying the dressing.
- 1 x SCISSORS
- 1 x PLASTIC FORCEPS
- 1 x TICK REMOVER
Code valid on all courses booked before 31st Dec 2024 for courses in 2024 & 2025. No courses in your area? Contact us at info@dog-first-aid.com for our online dates.
