Symptom: Bleeding – When Should I Contact a Vet?
Bleeding can range from a minor cut or torn nail to severe blood loss that becomes life-threatening. While small wounds often stop bleeding with basic first aid, heavy or uncontrolled bleeding should always be treated as an emergency.
Bleeding may be obvious, such as blood coming from a wound, nose or nail, but it can also occur internally and be much harder to recognise.
Common signs include:
Bleeding from a cut, wound or broken nail
Blood from the nose, mouth, ears or back passage
Blood in the urine or faeces
Vomiting or coughing up blood
Pale gums, weakness or collapse, which may indicate significant blood loss
Some wounds may appear small on the surface but can hide more serious damage beneath the skin. If the bleeding is heavy and won't stop, or your pet becomes weak, pale or collapses, seek immediate veterinary attention.
'My pet is bleeding' - Frequently asked questions
What are the common reasons that my pet is bleeding?
- Cuts, bites and other injuries: trauma is the most common cause of external bleeding and can range from small wounds to severe injuries.
- Broken nails or paw injuries.
- Dental or mouth disease: gum disease, broken teeth or mouth injuries can cause bleeding from the mouth. Further reading: Dental Disease in Cats, Dental Disease in Dogs
- Bleeding disorders: conditions affecting blood clotting, including rat poison (anticoagulant rodenticide) poisoning, certain diseases and some medications, can lead to spontaneous or prolonged bleeding.
- Tumours or internal disease: growths affecting organs or blood vessels can cause internal bleeding or blood in vomit, urine or faeces.
DOs - My pet is bleeding, what to do at home:
- If your pet is bleeding heavily, apply firm, direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth, towel or dressing, and contact your vet immediately.
- Keep your pet as calm and still as possible. This helps reduce further bleeding.
- If possible, gently elevate a bleeding limb while maintaining pressure, provided this doesn't cause pain or make the injury worse.
- Arrange a prompt appointment with your vet if the bleeding doesn't stop within a few minutes, keeps recurring, or you're concerned about your pet.
DON'Ts - My pet is bleeding, what not to do at home:
- Don't keep lifting the dressing or cloth to check the wound. Maintain firm pressure for several minutes before checking if the bleeding has stopped.
- Don't remove objects embedded in a wound. They may be helping to limit bleeding.
- Don't ignore bleeding, even if it stops. Contact your vet for advice, as some wounds or underlying conditions still require treatment.
My pet is bleeding - when is it an emergency?
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet:
- Is bleeding heavily or the bleeding won't stop after applying firm pressure for several minutes.
- Has been hit by a car, attacked by another animal, or suffered any major injury, even if there is little visible bleeding. Further advice: Cat in a Road Traffic Accident, Dog in a Road Traffic Accident
- Has pale gums, weakness, collapse or difficulty breathing, which may indicate significant blood loss or shock.
- Is vomiting blood, passing blood in the urine or faeces, or has unexplained bleeding from the nose or mouth.
- Has a deep wound, a large open wound, or an object embedded in the wound.
Written by Gill Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published July 2026 | Review date July 2029 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet