Dog bleeding

In most cases the bleeding can and should be stopped by applying direct pressure to the wound. Take care that your dog does not bite you. Cover the wound with a clean cloth or bandage and then apply pressure directly to the wound to slow blood loss. You should press down on the wound by using cotton or gauze over the wound and sealing it, if possible, with a band-aid. If the wound continues to bleed, repeat the same process without removing the other band-aid.

If the dog is bleeding excessively from one of its paws or its tail, make a tourniquet by surrounding the affected area with a long piece of cloth, either on top of the wound or as close to the wound as possible always choosing a spot between the SAR dog's heart and the wound, and tying it. Place a pen or a stick to twist with, stretching out the cloth band and then wait for the hemorrhaging to stop. Tourniquets should never be left on for more than fifteen minutes. 

Seek immediate medical help if the bleeding is severe or if it will not stop. If a hemorrhage is not stopped right away it can cause the dog to go into shock and die. All internal hemorrhaging should be treated as medical emergencies. Keep the SAR dog still and calm while you transport it to the veterinarian or local animal emergency clinic.