Bleeding tongue: A dog’s tongue is important for many things including eating, cleaning themselves, lapping up water, bonding with the pack and showing submission. Luckily, there aren’t many issues or illnesses that affect dogs’ tongues, however they are susceptible to injury perhaps during general investigation with their mouths by biting, chewing or picking up something which may be sharp or have rough edges. Injuries could also arise in many other innocent ways including chewing a bone, rough play or maybe even simply trapping their tongue between the teeth (hey, Im sure we’ve done that ourselves!)
Although small cuts or abrasions on other body parts may not be deemed all that much of a concern, tongue injuries can lead to significant problems. When a dog’s tongue is cut, it bleeds excessively and this bleeding can be difficult to stop.
When to See a Vet
See your vet immediately if the cut appears deep or the bleeding is difficult or impossible to stop.
An ice cube held directly on the wound will constrict the blood vessels, and help stop bleeding.
Applying direct pressure while holding the tongue with a gauze pad will work, assuming you can hold the tongue of course!
Everyday all-purpose flour can be used for small cuts to stop the bleeding. Simply pack the wound with the flour and then hold a gauze pad tightly against the wound. The flour should help the blood to clot.
If it’s a small nick, keep an eye on it for a day or two to make sure it isnt getting infected. If you can’t get the bleeding to stop, or if it stops and starts to bleed again, then don’t delay in calling your vet as your dog may need a stitch or two. If you are in any doubt, then call your vet.
