Wounds are among the most common minor emergencies we see. The goal of first aid is simple: stop the bleeding and keep the wound from getting infected until you reach us.
Stop the bleeding
Press firmly on the site with clean gauze or a cloth, for 3–5 minutes, without lifting every few seconds to check "if it stopped". If blood soaks through, add more gauze on top — don't take the first one off, you'll break the clot.
Bites are deceptive
A small puncture from a bite can hide extensive damage underneath. Don't underestimate them — always show them to us.
Clean gently
For superficial wounds, rinse with saline or clean water. Keep alcohol and peroxide out of the wound itself — they irritate the tissue rather than help.
When it's an emergency
Come in straight away if:
- Bleeding doesn't stop after ~5 minutes of pressure
- The wound is deep, large or from a bite
- There's lameness, severe pain, or the wound is on an eye, abdomen or chest
Protect & transport
Cover loosely with clean gauze, use a muzzle if needed (pain brings biting) and set off. Bites especially get infected very easily — they need a check even when they look harmless.