BLEEDING

Bleeding often looks more serious than it really is. Clotting usually begins in 60 to 90 seconds and a scab will appear in a few hours. Some of the “safest” wounds in fact, are those that bleed heavily at first, because the blood flushes away debris and bacteria.
Deep wounds however, and wounds involving a severed vein or artery are more serious. Neck and leg wounds tend to be the worst because large veins and arteries lie near the surface in these areas. Blood from a damaged vein is dark red and flows evenly. Blood from a damaged artery spurts with each heartbeat, is bright red and is generally much more serious.
Bleeding from shallow cuts and scrapes can be stopped with simple First Aid. Deeper wounds always need medical attention, even when you’re able to stop the bleeding at home.
Control the Bleeding

Don’t wash wounds that are bleeding heavily, it will make it harder for clots to form. You need to control the bleeding first. Apply a gauze pad on a clean piece of cloth to the wound, or use a sanitary towel, it’s perfect because the material is highly absorbent. If blood soaks through the towel, apply a second towel on top of the first one and continue the pressure,(Removing the first one will remove the clot that’s trying to form)the bleeding should stop in 5 minutes or less.
When you can’t stop bleeding with finger pressure alone, you’ll need to apply a pressure bandage. With the original pad still in place, wrap it with several layers of roll gauze, an elastic bandage like an `Ace` bandage or even duct tape or meshing tape. The pressure bandage should be firm but not tight. If you can’t easily slip the end of a cotton swab under the bandage, it is probably too tight. For smaller pets cover the absorbent pad with plastic wrap and keep pressure on the pad.

Look for signs of shock

Pets who have lost a lot of blood also lose their ability to retain heat, and they may go into shock- a condition in which the bodies organs shut down. Shock can kill a pet in as little as 10 to 20 minutes. Wrap him/her in a towel or blanket and get them to A&NRD immediately. You can also put a drop or two of Karo syrup or honey on your pets gums to help keep it conscious.
If he has gone into shock, you may need to perform artificial respiration. Wrap your hand around his muzzle to close his mouth and blow into his nose with two quick breaths. Watch for his chest to rise, and then give 15 to 20 breaths a minute until he begins breathing again on his own or until you reach medical help. After each breath, watch for his chest to rise, and then remove your lips and let the air escape.

Raise the injured part

Elevating the injured area will help slow bleeding. This isn’t essential; in fact, it could be harmful if a bone has been broken. If your pet holds one of his limbs in an awkward way or doesn’t move it at all, if one of his limbs dangles at a strange angle, if he seems to be in extreme pain when moving or if you can feel his bone crunch has he moves a limb, he may have a broken bone and needs to see A&NRD right away.

If your pets ears are bleeding

Ears have a vein near the surface that can bleed a lot, and since pets shake their heads when an ear is injured, the bleeding gets worse. To put pressure on the ears, first apply an absorbent pad or cloth. Cut a length from a pair of tights and slip it over your pets head, behind the ears, then move the tights forward over the absorbent bandage to hold it in place. Make sure his eyes and mouth are not covered. Use the thigh part of the tights for big dogs and the toe end for smaller pets.

Follow-up care

Whether or not a wound requires stitches, it’s essential to keep it clean for at least a week afterwards. Sponge off discharge and crust from around the wound edges several times a day. Do not disturb the wound itself unless directed by A&NRD. Follow this with an application of antibiotic ointment.
Dogs and cats instinctively lick their wounds, and in some cases, this can reduce the risk of infection, but, more than a few gentle licks may be too much. Pets who lick their wounds too much can dramatically slow the healing time. If the area around the wound seems moist or wet and the scab never seems to dry out, you may need to fit your pet with a cone shaped restraint collar called an Elizabethan Collar, which will keep him from licking his wounds. The collar may make it hard to eat, so you may need to remove it at mealtimes.