Emergency — phone the vet nowTrue

Pet bleeding heavily

Apply firm, continuous direct pressure using the cleanest material available and get to a vet immediately. Do not remove the material — add more on top if it soaks through.

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In the next 60 seconds

Protect yourself first — wear gloves if available. A frightened or injured pet will bite even if normally gentle.
Apply a muzzle if safe to do so before handling the wound.
Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound immediately using the cleanest material available — sterile gauze is ideal, but a clean cloth, a sanitary pad, or even clothing will do in an emergency.
Press firmly and continuously for at least 5 minutes without lifting the material. Set a timer — most people underestimate 5 minutes.
If the material soaks through, do NOT remove it (this disturbs the clot). Place additional material on top and continue pressing.
Once bleeding slows, apply a bandage over the dressing to hold it in place — not so tight as to cut off circulation (you should be able to slip two fingers under it).
For limb wounds, elevate the limb above heart level if the animal's position allows and it causes no further injury.
For suspected internal bleeding (pale gums, abdominal distension, collapse without external wound) — there is no external first aid. Keep the animal warm, still, and rush to an emergency vet immediately.
Monitor gum colour throughout. If gums become white or the animal loses consciousness, treat as cardiac arrest and note time.
Call the vet while a second person applies pressure, or call from hands-free while driving.

Recognise the signs

Visible blood — bright red (arterial) or dark red (venous), soaking fur or dripping
Wound that will not stop bleeding after several minutes
Pale, white, grey, or blue-tinged gums — indicates significant blood loss (normal gums are salmon pink)
Weak, rapid pulse (check inside the hind leg near groin for femoral pulse)
Cold extremities — ears, paws, tail feeling cold despite warm environment
Collapse, extreme lethargy, or inability to stand
Rapid, shallow breathing
Distended or tense abdomen with pale gums (suggests internal bleeding — no external wound may be visible)

First aid steps

Protect yourself first — wear gloves if available. A frightened or injured pet will bite even if normally gentle.
Apply a muzzle if safe to do so before handling the wound.
Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound immediately using the cleanest material available — sterile gauze is ideal, but a clean cloth, a sanitary pad, or even clothing will do in an emergency.
Press firmly and continuously for at least 5 minutes without lifting the material. Set a timer — most people underestimate 5 minutes.
If the material soaks through, do NOT remove it (this disturbs the clot). Place additional material on top and continue pressing.
Once bleeding slows, apply a bandage over the dressing to hold it in place — not so tight as to cut off circulation (you should be able to slip two fingers under it).
For limb wounds, elevate the limb above heart level if the animal's position allows and it causes no further injury.
For suspected internal bleeding (pale gums, abdominal distension, collapse without external wound) — there is no external first aid. Keep the animal warm, still, and rush to an emergency vet immediately.
Monitor gum colour throughout. If gums become white or the animal loses consciousness, treat as cardiac arrest and note time.
Call the vet while a second person applies pressure, or call from hands-free while driving.

Do NOT

Do NOT remove the initial dressing — this disrupts clot formation
Do NOT apply a tourniquet except as an absolute last resort in a life-or-limb situation (severed limb, uncontrollable arterial bleeding) — incorrect tourniquet application causes permanent damage and limb loss
Do NOT probe or flush a deep bite wound or penetrating injury at home
Do NOT give aspirin or ibuprofen — these impair clotting and are toxic to pets
Do NOT use cold water on deep or large wounds (fine for minor grazes)
Do NOT delay transport while waiting to see if bleeding stops — significant haemorrhage requires veterinary intervention

While transporting to the vet

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When to phone the vet immediately

Gums turning white, pale, grey, or blue
Loss of consciousness or collapse
Suspected internal bleeding
Arterial bleeding — bright red blood spurting rhythmically with heartbeat
Bleeding from a known rat poison (rodenticide) exposure — requires vitamin K treatment
Wound penetrating chest or abdomen
Bleeding that does not respond to 10+ minutes of firm continuous pressure

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Common causes

Deep bite wounds from other animals — often more serious than they appear
Road traffic accidents causing lacerations and internal injury
Sharp foreign bodies — glass, metal, thorns, splinters penetrating deeply
Degloving injuries — skin stripped away, common after catching on fencing
Ruptured internal mass — tumour or haematoma rupturing internally (signs: collapse without external blood)
Traumatic amputation or crush injury
Rat poison (anticoagulant rodenticide) causing spontaneous bleeding — often from multiple sites
Post-operative bleeding or wound breakdown

What the vet will need to know

Estimated amount of blood lost
How the injury occurred and when
Current gum colour and capillary refill time if you can check it
Whether pressure is being maintained
Any known rat poison exposure
Current medications (especially any blood thinners)
Whether the animal is conscious and responsive

Aftercare

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Prevention

Separate dogs during feeding and when introducing unfamiliar animals
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Secure bins to prevent access to sharp packaging
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Breed-specific notes

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Frequently asked questions

How much blood loss is dangerous for a dog or cat?

As a rough guide, loss of more than 10–15% of blood volume is clinically significant. A medium-sized dog (25 kg) has around 1.75 litres of blood — losing 200–250 ml can cause shock. For cats (blood volume roughly 60 ml/kg), even smaller amounts are critical. Pale gums are a key danger sign.

Should I use a tourniquet on my pet?

Only as an absolute last resort — for example, a traumatic amputation or uncontrollable spurting arterial bleed from a limb where direct pressure has genuinely failed. Apply above the wound, note the exact time applied, and inform the vet immediately. Incorrect or prolonged tourniquet use causes permanent tissue death and limb loss.

My pet was bitten by another dog but barely seems hurt. Is it serious?

Potentially yes. Dog bite wounds are deceptive — the surface puncture may appear small while the underlying damage is extensive. A dog's jaw can create deep tissue destruction and crush injuries invisible from the surface. All bite wounds should be seen by a vet the same day and are typically treated with antibiotics.

What does internal bleeding look like in a dog or cat?

There may be no visible blood at all. Key signs include sudden collapse or extreme weakness, pale or white gums, a distended or tense abdomen, rapid shallow breathing, and cold extremities. Internal bleeding is a true emergency — rush to a vet immediately.

Can I use a human bandage or plaster on my pet?

Sterile gauze and bandage material from a human first aid kit is entirely suitable. Avoid adhesive plasters on fur, as removal causes pain and skin damage. Never apply bandages too tightly — the bandage should be snug but you should be able to slip two fingers underneath.