Dog bleeding: causes and emergency care

Excessive dog bleeding may be from a congenital disorder like hemophilia, intestinal parasites or damage to the blood vessels. Other times, you may need to help control your dog`s bleeding due to an injury or accident until you can get him appropriate veterinary care.

Dog Bleeding Disorders

If one of your dog`s organs or body parts is bleeding, it can be life threatening if he has a physical disorder. The function that normally controls bleeding is called hemostasis. For this process to be effective, your dog needs the right amount of platelets, blood clotting proteins (factors), and blood vessels.

However, some dogs have blood vessels that do not constrict properly. Bleeding disorders can be present at birth (congenital disorders), or they can show up later on in a dog`s life.

Indications of blood clotting problems:

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• Black stools caused by bleeding in the bowels
• Bleeding from the nose
• Bruising deep in the tissue
• Delayed bleeding
• Persistent bleeding after an injection or surgery
• Small bruises due to defects in the platelets

Immune-mediated Thrombocytopenia is a common bleeding disorder in dogs, but females are more at risk. When the platelets in the dog`s blood stream is hampered, the clotting process does not function properly. Many times, even minor injuries may cause uncontrollable bleeding.

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The main signs of this condition are bleeding of the skin and the mucous membranes. An effective diagnosis includes a review of the dog`s response to treatment and if any further symptoms arise.

Other Reasons for Your Dog Bleeding

If the problem is a bladder infection, a dog may have blood in his urine. You will see it more prevalent at the end of his urine stream. To treat a bladder infection, a vet may suggest a special diet, dog surgery, antibiotics or flushing the urinary system.

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When bladder stones or crystals are present, a dog will struggle to urinate. This can also lead to blood appearing in his urine.

A dog with a prostate problem will have an enlarged prostate and possess blood in his urine. A popular form of treatment is neutering.

When a healthy dog has a sudden case of bloody diarrhea, it may be caused by a bleeding disorder in his intestinal area. An abnormal response to bacteria, bacterial poisons, or something in the canine`s diet, may lead to such a condition. Small and miniature breeds are predisposed to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

Emergency Care When a Dog Is Bleeding

If your dog is bleeding due to injury, you need to apply pressure to the wounded area so that he does not lose excessive amounts of blood.

To stop your dog from bleeding, apply a bandage to the wounded area. You may also use washcloths, hand towels or whatever else you have at your disposal to catch the blood. Then, press down firmly with the palm of your hand. If the towel or pad gets soaked, do not remove it. Keep applying more pads on top of the wounded area to constantly absorb the blood.

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