Bleeding and wounds: what should I do for my dog?

Use this when your dog has a bleeding wound, or may be bleeding inside after an injury. Stay safe. A hurt dog may bite, so use a muzzle or towel if needed, but not if it's struggling to breathe.

First aid

Bleeding and wounds: dog first aid

Use this when your dog has a bleeding wound, or may be bleeding inside after an injury.

Get your dog to a vet as soon as you can

Find an emergency vet

What to do

Stay safe. A hurt dog may bite, so use a muzzle or towel if needed, but not if it's struggling to breathe.
Find where the blood is coming from.
Press a clean cloth or towel firmly on the wound and keep pressing.
If blood soaks through, add more cloth on top. Don't remove the first layer.
If severe bleeding from a leg or tail won't stop with pressure, tie a wide band, such as a scarf or necktie at least 2 inches (5 cm) wide, around it above the wound. Tighten until the bleeding slows, and leave it on for the vet to remove.
Call your vet and go now. Keep your dog warm and quiet on the way.

Don't

Don't lift the cloth to check if the bleeding has stopped.
Don't put a tourniquet on the head, neck or body. Use firm pressure there.
Don't pull out an object stuck in the wound.

Signs

Blood that keeps flowing or soaks through cloth
Pale gums
Weakness or collapse
Cold feet, tail or ears
Fast or difficult breathing
Swollen belly (internal bleeding)

Why

Heavy bleeding can quickly become life-threatening. Firm pressure helps a clot form, and lifting the dressing to check can pull the clot off and restart the bleeding.

Sources

Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.

General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.