• As needed, you can take your dog outside on a short leash. Keep the walk short and slow.^[8] Return the dog to a confined area as soon as possible.
• Restrict the dog’s activity for a full 48 hours to give the injury enough time to heal.

• Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect the dog’s skin from any excessive cold.
• Repeated as needed, waiting at least two hours between applications. This will help prevent irritating the skin and reducing circulation, which can delay healing.
• You can use a bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas, for an ice pack that you can mold around the ankle. This will allow you to evenly and effectively apply the ice to all of the damaged tissue.^[10]

• Heat will improve circulation and help to loosen tightness in the muscles while having a soothing effect.
• To apply heat, use a damp towel warmed in the dryer or microwave. Be sure the towel isn’t hot enough to burn the skin.
• Apply heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, remove it for at least an hour before applying again.^[12]
• Don’t use a heat treatment immediately after exercise.

Understand the possible severity of a snake bite. Being bitten by a snake causes a range of problems of varying severity. At the milder end of the scale is the pain and discomfort caused by a penetrating bite, which can include soreness, inflammation, and pain locally on the skin. On the other end, a snake bite can lead to death.

• Depending on the snake’s species, the toxin it injects may either be a neurotoxin (affecting the nervous system) or a hemotoxin (affecting the blood and circulation). This can lead to rapid paralysis (neurotoxin), including the muscles of respiration so the victim slowly suffocates, or a life-threatening inability to clot blood, organ failure and shock (hemotoxin).^[3]

Be aware that snakes do not envenomate (release venom) with every bite. This depends on whether they have recently bitten something else, and also on the time of year.^[4] Observe the pet closely, but if in any doubt seek veterinary attention.

• It is better to travel to the vet’s to discover the dog is fine, than wait until symptoms appear by which time treatment could be too late.

Look for the symptoms of a venomous snake bite. Bear in mind that some of the symptoms are general, such as vomiting, which means that it is not the case that every vomiting dog has been bitten by a snake. These general signs become significant if the dog also has puncture marks, possible exposure to snakes, and rapidly developing symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms to be expected when a dog is bitten by a venomous snake:

• Trembling
• Vomiting
• Salivation, drooling, frothing
• Diarrhea
• Weakness in the back legs, unsteadiness
• Dilated pupils
• Respiratory distress
• Bloody urine
• Continuous bleeding from the bite wound
• A flaccid paralysis leading to coma or respiratory failure
• Death can occur within 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the type of snake venom and the amount of venom injected.

Make a note of the appearance of the snake. Pay attention to it’s head shape, approximate length, color, and pattern. In the US the commonest cause of venomous snake bite is the rattlesnake but other significant snakes include the coral snake, Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) Banded rock snake, Black-tailed snake, Canebrake, Diamondback snake, Massasauga, Mojave, Mottled rock snake, Pacific snake, Pygmy, Prairie snake, Red diamond and Ridge-nosed snakes.^[6]

• Also be aware that as a general rule of thumb venomous snakes have slit shaped pupils (like a cat) and non-venomous snakes have round pupils (like a dog). Of course, do not get close enough to look if you aren’t certain!

Take a picture of the snake if you can. If you can do so safely, take a photo with your phone or with any camera you have handy. If the snake is aggressive and moving towards you, skip the photo and retreat.

• Likewise, do not prevent the snake from escaping in order to take a picture. You could end up being bitten.

Seek immediate veterinary attention. Call your veterinary clinic ahead of time and tell them you are bringing in a dog with a snakebite. This will allow the vet to prioritize treating your dog once you arrive. It may also help them to make logistics arrangements to make the admissions process smoother, such as getting you a parking spot close to the clinic and retrieving your dog’s health records.

• Be aware that a dog showing signs of toxicity is not a problem that you can care for at home or will not stand a good chance of survival with first aid alone. The dog is likely to require anti-venom, intravenous fluids to support failing organs, and pain relief. All of these require the intervention of a veterinary professional.

Treat your dog with first aid. The farther away you are from the vet and the greater the amount of venom from the bite, the worse your dog’s chances of survival. However, some basic first aid will increase your dog’s chances of survival, especially during the car trip to the vet’s:

• Apply a pressure bandage to a limb bite but do not apply a tourniquet or bandage the wound too tightly. This will restrict blood flow too much.
• Do not wash the bite area or cut the wound. Do not try to suck or squeeze out the venom.
• The dog is likely to be in pain and restless. However, moving around increases blood circulation and spreads the toxin more rapidly. Try to keep your dog calm (and its heart rate down) by acting calm yourself and speaking to it in a reassuring manner. Do not encourage the dog to walk, instead carry him to your car.^[7]

Know what to expect at the vet’s. You may feel better if you know how the vet will probably treat your dog. Although treatment depends on the type of venom and the treatment facilities available, Your vet will likely:

• Determine the stage of envenomation
• Examine the site of the wound
• Administer a snake detection test (blood or urine sample) and analyze the results
• Give your dog intravenous fluids and appropriate anti-venom
  • Anti-venom is administered by slow intravenous injection. In a small number of cases the dog can be allergic to the anti-venom, in which case the outlook is poor. Many vets will administer an antihistamine at around the time the antivenom is given, in order to reduce the risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which could send the dog into shock.
  • Intravenous fluids may be given to support the organs, especially the kidneys. Once the dog has recovered the vet may suggest monitoring its renal function with blood tests to check there was no lasting damage.^[8]
• Give your dog antihistamines, allergy reduction reduction drugs, painkillers, or sedatives if they are necessary
  • Broad spectrum antibiotics are generally given to protect against secondary infections as a result of tissue damage.^[9]
• In some cases the venom causes blood clotting disorders, which can lead to hemorrhage. The vet may assess the dog and decide that a blood transfusion is necessary or the administration of replacement clotting factors in order to prevent internal bleeding.^[10]

Care for your dog while it recovers. The consequences of a bite can be extremely painful, and while the anti-venom can reduce the spread of the toxins, they do not deal with the pain. Expect recovery in 24 – 48 hours, but expect that your dog will take more time to get back to his old self. Set aside time to nurse your dog back to full health and ask the vet for advice.

• The vet will likely use strong painkillers, such as those from the morphine family, to control the pain while the animal recovers.^[11]
• If the dog has nerve damage and difficulty breathing, it may need intensive care facilities, where it can be put in an oxygen tent or onto a respirator until it recovers.

• If your dog doesn’t stop panting or acts weak, take him to the veterinarian.

• If you have an older dog who suddenly pants more when he does average physical activities or when he’s laying down, make an appointment to have him examined.^[8]

• To take your dog’s temperature use a rectal thermometer, or an ear thermometer if your dog will tolerate it. Never take an oral (mouth) temperature since it won’t be accurate.

• Pain from arthritis
• Pain from abdominal problems like bloat or pancreatitis
• Pain from an injury
• Fever over 102.5 degrees
• Panting that lasts more than 10 minutes
• A bluish purple or very pale mouth or tongue
  • See the vet immediately if your dog has bloat, pancreatitis, colored or pale mouth or tongue, and heavy breathing.

• Tell your veterinarian exactly how and when your dog fell.
• Inform your veterinarian about any signs of injury that you have noticed.
• Let your veterinarian know about any first aid you have administered.
• Tell your veterinarian about any past injuries or surgeries that your dog may have had.
• Be ready to provide basic information about your dog including age, current medications, or other health issues.

• A basic physical exam will let your veterinarian learn of any surface injuries as well as the overall condition of your dog.
• Orthopedic examinations will check for any injuries to the bones, joints, muscles, or affected range of movement in your dog. This examination may include an x-ray.
• Neurological examinations will be ordered if your dog has hit its head during the fall. If your dog is walking oddly or seemingly unaware, this test can help determine if your dog’s nervous system was damaged.

• If your dog is given medications, keep up with the schedule. Make sure your dog is consuming them completely if administered orally.
• Keep up with changing any bandages that your dog may need.
• You may need to apply ice or heat packs to your dog’s injuries.
• Make sure your dog rests and keep activities to a minimum while injuries heal.

• You might also wish to purchase a seatbelt designed specifically for your dog, to keep it as safe as can be during any road trips.
• Consider locking power windows as dogs may accidentally be able to roll them down.
• Do not leave your dog alone in the car on a hot day with the windows rolled up. This can raise temperatures to a deadly degree for your dog.^[11]

• Steep stair cases, lofts without a railing, and balconies are some examples of places in your home that your dog may fall from.
• Make sure to leave doors to these areas closed.
• You can buy pet-gates to block off staircases or doorways in your home.
• Never bring your dog into an area of the house that presents a fall hazard.

Observe any coughing or wheezing. If you hear constant coughing, wheezing, or noisy breathing for several hours, make an appointment with your vet. If the dog starts coughing up pink foam or froth, take it to the vet immediately.^[6]

• Coughing and wheezing can be signs of numerous illnesses. They may indicate a respiratory infection or show that your dog is struggling to breathe.
• If it appears your dog is coughing something up, gently place your fingers in its mouth to see if you can identify what is causing the choking. If you can’t find it, call your vet for advice.^[7]

Monitor your dog if it has been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea. If the dog vomits only 2 or 3 times, wait 24 hours to see if the dog gets better. If there are other symptoms and the dog keeps vomiting for 2-3 hours, call the vet. If there is blood in the vomit or diarrhea, get the dog immediate medical attention.^[10]

• Blood in vomit or diarrhea can be a sign of internal bleeding, parasites, or an internal obstruction.
• If your dog has diarrhea or vomiting, give it plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.

Identify any foul-smelling discharge from your dog. Discharge from the dog’s eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals can indicate various illnesses, such as pyometra or a cold. If there is a strange or foul odor to the discharge, take your dog to the vet.^[11]

• The discharge may be clear, white, yellow, or green in color.
• If you see clear, odorless discharge from your dog, it may not be a medical emergency, but you may still want to have your vet check it out.

Check for an increased respiratory rate. Count how many times your dog takes a breath in a minute. This is its respiratory rate. A normal respiratory rate is 10-34 breaths per minute. If the dog is resting and its respiratory rate is 60 BPM, it may need medical attention.^[12]

• Check its respiratory rate after it has been resting for at least 15-20 minutes. It is normal for your dog to have a higher respiratory rate after exercise or when it is excited. Dogs may also pant if they are happy, stressed, or hot.
• If the dog’s respiratory rate is between 34 and 60, keep an eye on it. Check it again after 15-20 minutes to see if it has gone down. If it is still raised, call your vet for advice.

Check your dog’s pulse. For this method, you must know what your dog’s average heart rate is, since this can vary greatly between dogs. Place your hand over the dog’s heart or near the top of its hind legs to feel its pulse. Count how many beats there are in a minute. If it is higher or lower than normal, call your vet for advice.^[13]

• To learn your dog’s baseline rate, take its pulse a few times while it is healthy. Larger dogs may have a heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute while smaller dogs may have a heart rate between 100-140 beats per minute.

Watch out for weakness or lethargy. Compare your dog’s activity to its normal self. If it is suddenly sleeping or resting more than usual, this can be a sign of an illness or condition. It may also seem depressed, act quieter than usual, or avoid exercise.^[14]

• Lethargy alone may not be a sign of a medical emergency, but it can indicate something is wrong.
• There are many reasons why lethargy and weakness may develop, from heart disease to running a fever.

Watch for any unusual restless behavior. If your dog suddenly starts pacing, circling, or moving around frequently, it may be feeling restless. Restlessness alone is not a serious condition. If joined with other symptoms, however, like vomiting or heavy drooling, it may be a sign of a serious condition.^[15]

• If your dog is restless while breastfeeding, it may have hypocalcemia (also known as milk fever), a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention.
• If the dog is restless and vomiting, check the stomach for any swelling. If the dog has a swollen belly, see a vet immediately. The dog may have bloat.

Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog has eaten any toxins. If your dog has ingested poisonous chemicals, paint, poisonous plants, or other toxic substances, take it to the vet immediately. The effects of the toxin will depend on exactly what type of poison it is, how much was eaten, and the dog’s size.^[16]

• Even if you just suspect that your dog has eaten something bad, get it to the vet just in case. Do not induce vomiting, unless your vet specifically tells you to.
• There are many plants that are dangerous for dogs. These include azaleas, lillies, and tulips. If you find your dog chewing or eating these plants, take it to the vet, even if it is not displaying signs of sickness.^[17]
• Signs of poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, nosebleeds, and lack of energy.

Take the dog to the vet after falls, fights, and traffic accidents. Even if your dog appears fine at first, a vet can check for broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries. Handle broken bones carefully until you can get the dog to the vet.^[19]

• Even if the dog is able to walk, it is best to treat this as an emergency because pain can push a dog into shock, which can be life-threatening. Signs of shock include pale gums, cold paws and limbs, a weak pulse, and lethargy. These are signs that your dog needs immediate medical treatment.

See the vet if you notice heavy bleeding. Observe any injuries carefully for bleeding. Heavy bleeding may spurt, constantly drip, or soak through a bandage in a matter of minutes. If you can, wrap the dog’s wound in a gauze bandage and elevate the wound until you can reach the vet.^[20]

• Apply pressure to the wound for several minutes. Non-life-threatening bleeding stops when pressure is applied over the injury, and the bleeding does not resume when the pressure is removed.
• Any bleeding that resumes once pressure is removed should be treated as an emergency.

Call your vet first to see if you can bring your dog in. Explain your dog’s symptoms and injuries to the vet. Ask them what you should do. The vet may give you advice over the phone or tell you when you can come in to see them.^[21]

• If it is outside of your vet’s normal hours, check their website to see if they have an emergency line. Call this number instead.

Take your dog to an emergency vet if your normal vet is unavailable. If you can’t reach your vet or if your vet can’t see your dog right away, find an emergency vet or animal hospital near you. These are open 24-hours a day and usually do not require an appointment.^[22]

• While you do not need an appointment, it is a good idea to call the emergency vet if possible to make sure that they have time to see your dog.
• Your vet can refer you to an emergency vet if they can’t treat your dog. In the U.S., you can find a local one here: https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/about_aaha/hospital_search/default.aspx

Speak to the dog in a soothing voice. During a medical emergency, your dog may be panicked, distressed, or upset. Even the friendliest of dogs may react aggressively towards its beloved owners while sick. Speak to your dog in a soft soothing voice. If the dog will let you touch it, stroke its head and shoulders.^[23]

• If the dog snaps, growls, or tries to bite you, try not to touch it as much as possible. Coax it into the dog carrier or car using a treat, toy, or leash.
• If needed, you can make a muzzle out of a belt, gauze, or pantyhose. Wrap it around its jaw, keeping its nose free to breathe.

Perform CPR if needed. If a dog is not breathing, you may need to perform CPR. Close the dog’s mouth and place your lips over its nose. Give three to four strong breaths.^[11]

• If the dog does not start breathing on its own, continue to give it 10 to 12 breaths per minute.
• If you can’t detect a heart beat, lay the dog on its side and compress its chest with your hands. Give five compressions per breath.
• Once a dog starts breathing on its own, stop CPR.

Move the dog carefully. There is a good chance you will need to move the injured dog, whether you are bringing it home, taking it to a vet, or just trying to get it out of a busy street. An injured dog must be moved gently and with great care.

• If you are able to, splint, bandage or otherwise stabilize wounded areas before moving the dog to reduce the risk of further harm.^[12]
• Confine the dog while moving it so it can’t hurt itself more. If possible, use a pet carrier, but if you don’t have one, punch some holes in a box.
• Larger dogs can be moved using a makeshift stretcher. You can use a board, a door, a rug, or a large blanket, carried by at least two people.

Stop any bleeding. If the dog is bleeding from its injury, press down firmly on the injured area with your fingers and palm and apply a firm but not tight bandage. Gauze or a washcloth or towel will often do the trick.^[13]

• If the bandage becomes soaked through with blood, don’t remove it. Place additional materials on top.

Apply a tourniquet if necessary. If a dog has an injury on it’s leg or tail that will not stop bleeding, and is gushing blood in a rhythmic way, it may have a damaged artery. You may need to apply a tourniquet to save its life.^[14]

• Wrap the limb in a bandana or other strip of cloth, between the wound and the heart, tightly enough that no blood can pass through.
• Every 15 minutes, loosen the tourniquet so blood can pass through for about 10 seconds. If you don’t, the dog may lose the limb.
• Always seek immediate emergency care for a wound of this nature..

Clean and treat lacerations. If the dog has any lacerations that aren’t bleeding, clean them with an antiseptic solution, such as hydrogen peroxide, and dry them. ^[15]

• If you don’t have an antiseptic solution, warm water with a little salt will do.
• Pat the area dry with some sterile gauze. You can apply some ointment if its not an area the dog can lick.
• Keep an eye on the injury in case of infection and make sure to keep it clean for several days.

Use a cold compress. For bruising or tenderness, you can give your dog some immediate relief using a cold compress. Gently place something frozen, such as a bag of frozen peas, on the injured area.^[16]

• Cool the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove the compress. You can reapply as often as every two hours if it seems to be helping.

Seek veterinary care. Even for what seems like a minor injury, it is a good idea to seek professional care. You may not be able to detect some injuries, such as those that are internal.^[17]

• For non-emergencies, call your vet and explain the situation. The vet’s office will either make an appointment for you soon or refer you to emergency care if they deem it necessary.
• For serious bleeding or other major injuries, search online for an emergency vet clinic near you and take your dog immediately.

Give the dog medications. Some injuries last a long time, sometimes even for the rest of the dog’s life. Treating these injuries requires patience and consistency. To begin with, give your dog any medicine your vet prescribes, following all instructions precisely.^[18]

• There are variety of medications available for treating the pain that may result from an injury, from anti-inflammatory medications to opioids and more.^[19] Talk to your vet about the benefits and possible side effects of any medications he or she recommends.

Make dietary changes. Changing what your dog eats can also be helpful in treating injuries. For injuries that have resulted from weakened tissue, a high-quality, meat-based diet is best.^[20]

• There are also a number of supplements, foods, and dog treats formulated especially for helping dogs with joint injuries.^[21]

Use splints and braces as appropriate. If your dog has sustained an injury that makes it difficult to walk or stand, it may benefit from a splint, brace, or cart. There are number of such products available for both short and long-term use.^[22]

• Your vet will be able to help you select the most appropriate option for your dog.

Try gentle massage. Some dogs will benefit from a gentle massage of the injured area, once it is no longer too sensitive. Lightly rub affected areas.^[23]

• If the dog exhibits any sign of discomfort, discontinue this immediately. This should be a pleasant experience for your dog, not a painful one.

Keep exercise moderate. An injured dog should not overly exert itself, as this may result in further injury/re-injury of the damaged area. Make sure the dog doesn’t, for example, walk or run for too long on an injured leg.

• Total lack of exercise isn’t a good idea either. This can result in a dog becoming overweight, which can produce its own problems, especially for dogs that have joint injuries.^[24]

• Even a dog that has never bitten before may bite when approached if it is experiencing significant pain.
• A dog in pain may also bite if you touch or move a painful area.^[10] The natural response, when a painful area is touched, is to turn toward that area. The dog may try to bite out of instinct.
• You may first see warning signs such as growling. A dog on the verge of biting may pin its ears back or show its teeth. This is a natural protection mechanism that a dog may use to try to prevent further pain.^[11]

• A dog with mouth pain may also drop food when it eats.^[13]

• These sounds may be associated with particular movements, such as when first getting up. That can help to give you a clue about the nature of the pain.^[18]
• A dog that is normally vocal may also suddenly become quiet.^[19]

• If your dog moves its head away when you try to pet it or makes other moves to avoid touch, this can be a sign it is in pain. Take note of such behaviors if your dog normally likes being touched.
• These behaviors can go along with a dog being more withdrawn and less interactive than normal.
• You may also notice an attitude of depression or mental dullness if your dog is experiencing pain.^[21]
• Note that some dogs may seek more attention, rather than avoiding it, if they are in pain.^[22] You should take note of either avoidance or unusually high levels of attention-seeking behaviors.

Tell the emergency vet that this dog is a stray. Tell the vet that you do not know the puppy’s age or medical history, how long it has been a stray, the last time it ate or drank, or the last time it received any care for its injuries. This will let the vet know that they need to make a complete examination of the dog for its overall health and wellbeing, in addition to caring for the puppy’s injuries. In addition to assessing the pup’s injuries, the vet will probably test for:^[11]

• Parvovirus
• Ringworm fungus
• Bacterial Dermatitis
• Mange
• Internal parasites, such as worms
• Ticks and fleas
• Ear mites

Consider signing over your rights to the puppy in exchange for free service.Some veterinary clinics will provide free services to stray animals, but in order to receive these services, you are expected to give up all rights and knowledge of the animal you’ve found.^[12] This means that you cannot wait with the animal while it is being treated, or call the veterinary office for updates.

• If you do not have the funds to care for the dog, or if you are not attached to the pup, this might be a good option if it is available to you.

Let the vet do their job. In an event where you’re seeing an injured animal in pain, it is easy to forget that the vet is specially trained to handle these situations. The vet does not need your questions, advice, or help, and offering these things will only slow the vet down and make it take longer for the dog to receive necessary treatment.

• In the event of serious injury, the vet might suggest euthanasia.^[13] Be sure to listen to what they have to say, ask for alternative treatment plans, and consider the level of discomfort the dog is experiencing and it’s likelihood of recovery.^[14]When in doubt trust your vet’s recommendations.

Treat any minor wounds or skin abrasions. The vet may recommend applying a certain medicated ointment or administering oral medications depending on the puppy’s injury. Be sure to follow any directions that the vet gives, and don’t miss any doses.

• Some medications like antibiotics or skin creams have to be administered even after the symptoms of illness or injury have passed. Be sure to use the full course of medication, and don’t skip any doses.

Give the puppy a warm bath, if it is safe to do so. If you are going to try to nurse the puppy back to health, you want to be sure it is clean before bringing it into your home.

• You can’t use a flea or tick shampoo on a puppy younger than 12 weeks or so, but some veterinarians recommend using liquid dish soap such as blue Dawn to remove dirt and grease from the puppy’s fur. If the puppy has ticks, pull them off at the head using a pair of tweezers and flush them down the toilet or smash them before discarding.

Give the puppy somewhere warm to sleep. Puppies that are six weeks or less need lots of warmth, since they are used to cuddling up with their mother and littermates.

• A pet crate with a few towels or baby blankets inside will serve as a warm place for him or her to get some rest while recovering from their injuries.

Give the puppy plenty of food and water as it recovers. Puppies’ diets vary based on their age, so it is important to ask the vet for an estimate on how old the puppy might be and what the vet recommends for it to eat.

• A very young puppy will need to be bottle fed using a special puppy formula, but puppies can eat dry puppy food starting at around five weeks of age. You can get the proper food at your local pet store.
• Ask the vet if he or she recommends a special diet while the puppy recovers. Sometimes a critically ill or injured dog will need a critical care diet, which is easier to digest and more calorie-dense for a dog who has a lower appetite due to illness.^[15]

Feed your puppy according to its age and size. For example, a seven week old, seven pound puppy will need to eat about half a cup of dry puppy food three times a day.

• Always have a bowl of clean, cool water available for your puppy.

Look for a microchip.^[16] After the puppy has been treated for its injuries, have the vet scan it for a microchip to see if it has an owner. It is possible that the puppy managed to escape from its home and that its owner is looking for it.

• If the dog does have a microchip, make sure that you contact the owner. Sometimes the vet will offer to board the puppy until its owner can pick it up.

Post fliers of the puppy. If you choose to keep the puppy while you search for its owner, post fliers of the dog along with your contact information in heavily trafficked areas of your town. These fliers might help to reunite the owner with the puppy. Here are some places you might post fliers:^[18]

• Grocery Stores
• Veterinarian Offices
• Humane Society
• Local Animal Shelters
• Telephone poles at busy intersections
• College Campuses
• Social media sites, like Facebook or Nextdoor

• An ordinary bar of soap, when pressed into the claw, will form a plug that covers the quick, like putting a cork in a bottle.^[4] This plug generally dislodges itself several hours later and needs no further attention.

• A healthy dog won’t be at risk from blood loss from a bleeding quick, but the blood can be somewhat alarming, particularly if your dog seems distressed.^[5] Know that the dog is in no danger, but act quickly to minimize its discomfort.
• Remaining calm is important to both you and your dog. If you cut the dog’s quick, the dog will likely be distressed and will look to you for cues on how to react. If you show alarm or become frantic, your dog likely will, too.

• Push firmly so that the nail is embedded into the soap to a depth of approximately 3 – 4 millimeters.

• Remove the toe from the soap after 3 – 4 minutes with a gentle twisting action.
• If your dog won’t hold still, push the claw firmly into the soap and then remove the soap with a slight twist of the wrist.

• You’ll know a plug has successfully been formed when the soap is blocking the tip of the nail and no more blood is seeping through.
• If the bleeding won’t stop, contact your vet.

• Potassium permanganate is a powder made up of bright purple crystals and is the preferred method of veterinarians to stop bleeding nails.^[6]
• It’s highly effective and the permanganate is a natural disinfectant.^[7]
• Potassium permanganate crystals are widely available on internet retail sites.

• The blood loss from a bleeding nail is not dangerous to a healthy dog.^[8] The bleeding nail can, however, look a bit dramatic, especially if the dog scrambles around spreading blood all over the floor. Know that the dog is in no danger, but act quickly to minimize its discomfort.
• Remember that remaining calm is important for you but also for your dog. The quick is tender and full of nerves, so having it clipped will be painful to your dog and it will be looking to you for cues on how to react. If you get panicked or frantic, your dog likely will, too.

• You don’t need to soak the swab, just dampen it with a few drops of water.

• The bleeding should stop fairly quickly.

• If after 5 minutes the bleeding still hasn’t stopped, contact your vet.

• If the vet recommends bringing your dog in, calmly begin preparing your dog for transport.

• Use a bandage from a first aid kit to put a temporary dressing over the paw to help stop the dog from hitting the sore nail and to keep the car a bit cleaner.
• Alternatively, you can place a swab or gauze dressing over the toe and wrap a bandage around the paw to hold it in place. Put enough tension on the bandage that it grips the paw and doesn’t fall off, but don’t pull it too taut or the bandage may cut off circulation to the paw. If the bandage is too tight, your dog will seem distressed and chew at the bandage; if that happens, loosen the wrapping.
• If you don’t have access to a first aid kit, wrap clean toilet tissue or cotton wool around the toe and apply a tight-fitting sock over the paw to hold it in place. If you have someone available to help, ask them to hold cotton wool over the nail while you’re en route to the vet.

• Another potential complication from vigorous head shaking or scratching is the formation of an aural hematoma, which is a blood clot between the layers of the ear. This happens when a blood vessel beneath the skin and cartilage breaks and bleeds into the ear cartilage. The ear will swell like a pillow. These need to be treated by a veterinarian.^[5]