How to Stop a Bleeding Cut on a Dog's Paw

Paw wounds are most often caused by thorns, glass or other sharp objects. Stopping the bleeding on your dog's paw does not require any special knowledge, and it can be accomplished using only water, antiseptic cleanser, and a towel. Applying pressure on the wound is the most direct way of stopping bleeding. Remaining calm and keeping your dog comfortable yet immobile are essential elements of your efforts to stop the bleeding of his paw wound.

Things You'll Need

  • Gauze
  • Antiseptic cream or cleanser
  • Towel
  • Bandage
  • Water source
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remain calm and try not to do anything hastily. Take a minute and talk to your dog in a soothing tone to keep it at ease.

    • 2

      Inspect the wound. Remove any tiny objects that may still be in the paw wound with a pair of tweezers.

    • 3

      Flush your dog's wound with water. A bulb syringe, a kitchen sprayer, a garden hose attachment or a handheld shower works well for this purpose.

    • 4

      Apply pressure to the dog's wound with a towel---checking the wound every minute or so---to stop the bleeding.

    • 5

      Cleanse it with the antiseptic liquid like Chlorhexidine diacetate or sotonic saline. If the wound is small enough, you may continue to treat it yourself, but if the wound does not close, you may have to take your dog to a veterinarian. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, which thins the blood thin, preventing clotting.

    • 6

      Protect the wound from dirt with a bandage. Wrap it around your dog's paw and tape it at the end of the bandage. Keep the bandage closed. Use a "wet to dry" bandage, which is a bandage with a layer of bandage soaked in saline. Change your dog's bandage at least once per day in order to inspect and care for the wound properly. If your dog begins to lick the wound, try covering it with a shirt or old towel.

    • 7

      Keep an eye on your dog and---in the case of a serious wound---keep your veterinarian informed.