What is the recommended action if bleeding cannot be controlled by direct pressure?

• A. Apply ice to the wound.
• B. Cover with a dry towel and wait for 24 hours.
• C. Remove any bandages to increase bleeding.
• D. Call for urgent veterinary assistance and consider applying a tourniquet only if trained and necessary for life-threatening bleeding.

Answer: (D)

When bleeding cannot be stopped with direct pressure, the priority is urgent veterinary help. Bleeding that won’t respond to direct pressure can quickly lead to shock, so professional assessment and treatment are needed to control the bleed and manage the wound properly. A tourniquet is a last-resort measure and should only be used by someone trained, and only when the bleeding is life-threatening and nothing else will stop it. In the meantime, keep the animal calm and safely transported to the clinic, continuing to apply gentle pressure with clean material if possible and avoiding delaying care.