My dog is bleeding after a fight. What's the emergency care?

This is a medical emergency and your dog has to see a vet tonight if he's still bleeding and in a lot of pain. He likely needs stitches to close up his wound, and there is nothing safe you can give him at home for his pain. Many human pain medications are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. This wound can become severely infected if left untreated, and he will still be in a lot of pain. I would let your mother know you spoke to a veterinarian who told you that he has to see a vet now. Your mom can check to see if there is an ER vet clinic in your area; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Please take him into a vet now.

The best thing to do right now is keep it covered with a clean towel. It can be secured with masking tape. Don't try to clean it since that could cause bleeding to start if it dislodges a clot. Gypsy needs to see the vet in the morning so it can be evaluated and she can get started on antibiotics and appropriate pain medications. Depending on what the vet finds, it may be able to heal on its own (called second intention healing) or it may need surgery to remove dead tissue or cover bones if they are exposed.

It's probably best to leave it alone for now. Ears tend to bleed a lot when they get cut, but it eventually stops and they don't bleed enough to be dangerous - unless he happens to have a clotting disorder. The more you wipe at the ear or agitate it, the more it will bleed. Also, hydrogen peroxide and other strong antiseptics can cause more damage than good, so it's best not to apply this to the wound. You can try cleaning the wound in 12 hours or so after the bleeding has stopped and he hopefully calms down. The first thing you should do is flush the wound using a syringe or other dispensing device with warm water for five minutes. This may not be easy, because dogs tend to hate water getting near their face. I recommend having someone help you with holding Cruise to make sure the wound gets flushed well. Infection is the biggest concern with these wounds; so after flushing, it's best to apply an antibacterial cream to the wound. In order to keep the wound clean, it's best to flush the wound 1-2 times a day and gently wipe away any big crusts - make sure not to scrub the wound, because this can make it worse. Apply the antibacterial cream after each flushing. If the ear starts to swell or have pus oozing from the wound, then I'd recommend he goes to the vet for treatment. Otherwise, the wound should heal fine over the next 2-3 weeks. I hope that helps and Cruise gets better soon.

I am sorry to hear about Stitch's accident! You can try to slow or stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound if you actually can see and reach it. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or towel. Another way to help stop bleeding is to apply an ice pack. Be sure to wrap it with a cloth or towel so it isn't directly touching the skin, and hold over the affected area. It will help the blood vessels constrict and bleeding to slow. If there is a nonstop stream of blood, then he should go to the emergency vet. An occasional drip doesn't require an emergency trip unless he seems to be becoming weak or his gums are pale in color.

Ideally, Miko should be examined by your veterinarian. He may not be painful now, but tomorrow he may be. The wound should be cleaned and flushed. Antibiotics and pain management may both be indicated. Monitor for bleeding, discharge, swelling, redness, odor, lethargy or lameness.

It may be tricky as wounded tail keeps bleeding. So, if it is bleeding a lot you should apply pressure for a few minutes (5 minutes) on the tail until the bleeding stops. Then you may have to apply a bandage on the tail to prevent another bleed (it may start again if the dog starts to chew or lick the tail or even if he starts wagging the tail). Bandaging the tail can be difficult - you don't want to put too much pressure but on the other hand loose bandage will slip off. If it come to the worst you may have to take your dog to your vet to put a proper bandage on.

I recommend cleaning all of the wounds with hydrogen peroxide. Then apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on them. Keep him quiet so he can rest and heal. Dog fight wounds get infected easily so please make sure to bring him right in tomorrow morning for treatment. If needed they can close the small laceration and get him on oral antibiotics to prevent infection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Dexter.