Your pet dog getting hit by a car, may naturally cause you to worry and panic as you may be confused about what should be done. This article helps you with the things you can and should do in case your dog meets with a road accident.
Important
Having an insurance for your dog will avoid financial problems in case of injuries or accidents.
Our pet dogs, when taken out for a walk, may just get out of control sometimes, or run across the street due to some distraction. In this case, there are chances that your pet might suddenly get hit by a car. Such accidents may lead to head injuries and fractures. Here, we tell you what should be done if your pet dog is hit by a car.
Do Not Panic
First and foremost, you should not panic. It is very important to stay calm so that you can focus on what needs to be done. Moreover, if your pet is in a conscious state after the hit, it may sense your tension. This would in turn increase your pet’s stress and fear levels and that may aggravate his health condition. Instead, softly speaking to your dog in a calm manner is the right thing to do.
Remember that since your pet has undergone a trauma, you may have to approach him with caution. This is because your injured pet is in a state of shock and fear, and may bite when you try to handle him. So, you would have to use a muzzle. Something like a scarf should be fine. However, do not use a muzzle if you observe difficulties in your pet’s breathing.
If Consciousness is Lost
▸ If your pet has become unconscious after being hit, he would first have to be moved to a safe location. This would have to be done very carefully.
▸ Next, you need to check whether he is breathing. If so, you will have to immediately take your pet to the veterinarian. This needs to be done with care, in order to prevent any further injuries. You can carry your pet into the vehicle using a blanket, towel, or a cardboard piece.
▸ Make sure that your dog has a clear airway. Position the head of your pet lower than his body by placing a blanket below the pet’s lower body (or bottom).
▸ If not breathing, immediately contact a vet. CPR measures would have to be taken until emergency assistance arrives. Perform CPR only if you are trained and know how to do it, else seek immediate help from a veterinarian.
Note: CPR should never be performed on healthy animals, as it could have serious or even fatal consequences.
In Case of External Bleeding
Observe your pet and check for external bleeding. If bleeding is observed, clean the wound. Then using a clean cloth, wrap the wounded area and by applying slight pressure, try to prevent any further loss of blood.
In Case of a Broken Limb
In case you notice that your dog might have broken a limb or is not able to walk properly, use a cloth or towel that is in reach, to hold or provide support to the limb so that your dog remains firm and stable, after which you can immediately take him to the vet.
If No Symptoms are Seen
Generally, a dog that is hit by a car tends to ignore his pain and runs away. This is his natural behavior. However, due to this, you may not realize that your pet has been affected severely. The lack of other symptoms or visible injuries and wounds, may further make you believe that your pet is normal. However, this may not be true. It is important to take your pet to the vet irrespective of the symptoms shown, since there are chances of internal bleeding which is hard to detect. Internal bleeding may occur following the accident or even several hours later. If left untreated, it may have grave consequences and may even prove fatal.
Points to Consider
▸ Make sure that you cover your pet with a blanket so that he remains warm.
▸ Never administer any medication without a veterinarian’ s consent. Even giving pet food and water may be risky, as your dog may aspirate it into his lungs.
▸ However normal your pet may appear, do not let him move around until examined and treated.
▸ You may be able to carry a small-sized pet with ease. However, you will require assistance for a dog that is big.
In Case of Financial Problems
It is true that pet health care emergencies can be very expensive, as a result of which, many may not be able to afford the treatment. Always remember that keeping a pet is a big responsibility and accepting it means that you need to be capable of looking after the pet and providing for his needs. Moreover, your role and responsibility is of utmost importance in such emergencies.
What to do if you have no money for taking your dog to the vet? Well, a situation like this is best avoided, for which it is important to keep some money aside for medical emergencies. You could look for pet programs that offer discounted health services for pets and consider enrolling your pet there.
A road accident to your pet dog might mean a minor injury or a serious one. Your panic may increase your pet’s fear, which is why such situations should be handled calmly. Secondly, the impact of the vehicle hitting your dog might have caused serious injuries, for which immediate veterinary attention should be given.
