Dogs can get injured in many ways. It is always important to know what to do in case your pet gets injured. The first thing to do is if he/she is at risk for further injury, remove them from the unsafe environment as quickly as possible. Once both your pet and you are in a safe place, do a quick assessment of his overall status and injuries. If your pet is not breathing or has no pulse you need to start CPR. For information on performing CPR, Click here. If the dog is breathing and has a pulse, next check for broken bones and open wounds.
The two most important goals in treating open wounds are to stop any bleeding and to prevent infections. Wounds are painful, so be prepared to restrain and muzzle the dog before treating the wound. For information regarding the restraining, muzzling and transporting of injured dogs click here.
Controlling
Bleeding:
Bleeding may be arterial (bright red and spurting out of the wound) or
venous ( dark red and oozing out of the wound). It may be a combination
of the two. Do Not wipe a wound that has stopped bleeding as this will
dislodge the clot. Also don't use hydrogen peroxide on a fresh wound,
since it will dissolve clots causing the wound to start bleeding again.
There are 2 methods that can be used to control bleeding in an emergency situation: pressure dressing and the tourniquet method.
Pressure
Dressings:
The most effective and safest way to control bleeding is by applying a
pressure dressing directly to the wound.
This is done by taking several sterile gauze squares (or if you don't have sterile gauze, use any clean cloth such as a thickly folded pad of clothing) and place it over the wound.
Apply pressure for 5 - 10 minutes. Leave the dressing in place and bandage snugly.
If you can't find anything to use as bandaging material, hold the dressing in place until help arrives.
The
Tourniquet Method:
Tourniquets can be used on the extremities, and tail to control bleeding
that can't be controlled by direct pressure. Tourniquets should
never be used if bleeding can be controlled
by using direct pressure.
Always place the tourniquet above the wound (between the wound and the heart).
A suitable tourniquet can be made from a piece of cloth, belt, or gauze.
Loop the tourniquet around the limb like is shown in this picture.
Then tighten it by hand or with a stick inserted beneath the loop.
As is illustrated in the picture to the left, twist the loop until the bleeding stops.
In this illustration, the individual is using their hand to tighten the tourniquet.
Immediately take your dog to an emergency veterinary clinic. The tourniquet should be loosened every 10 minutes to prevent tissue damage because of lack of blood supply and check for persistent bleeding, If the bleeding has stopped, apply a pressure dressing and observe the dressing to make sure that bleeding doesn't return. If bleeding persists, let the blood flow for a few seconds and then retighten the tourniquet for another 10 minutes. Continue this cycle of loosening and retightening until you arrive at the hospital. It is important to let the veterinarian know how long you have been using the tourniquet when you arrive.