When walking your dog, it is almost impossible to go anywhere without coming across a road. Dogs are often small and low to the ground, so out of the direct sight line of drivers. They can be unpredictable creatures and dash out into the road if scared – or their attention is caught by something on the other side of the street. This means that accidents involving dogs can easily occur, through no fault of the dog or driver.
It’s most dog owner’s worst nightmare – but would you know what to do if your dog was hit by a car? The following is a step by step guide of what to do, should you be the first on the scene of an accident.
Prevention is key:
To avoid an accident happening in the first place, always ensure that your dog is on a short lead when walking close to traffic.
Think carefully when opening the front door, to minimise the chances of your dog bolting into the road. When you are at someone else’s house or just out and about with your pet, think carefully to ensure they remain safe from potential danger.
If an accident does happen:
If, unfortunately, your dog was to be injured in a road traffic accident. Th initial priority is for your own safety, that of other humans and that of the injured animal. Make sure that all traffic has stopped and it has been flagged up that there has been an accident, otherwise there could easily be additional casualties. If you get injured while dashing out to help your pet, you’ll be of no use to them whatsoever, so take time to make sure the scene is safe before doing anything else at all.
Human safety and human casualties always take priority.
If it is possible to do so, use a parcel shelf or some other flat support and very carefully remove your pet from the road and further danger, doing your best to avoid twisting their spine.
Note if there is any fuel spillage or potential fire risk – turn off car ignitions if possible. Put on hazard lights and encourage other cars to do the same.
- Stay as calm as you can. Stress and panic will make things worse for the injured animal.
- Try and reassure your dog – keep them warm and dry and look out for signs that they could be going into shock. Early signs of shock can be deep red tacky gums, deteriorating levels of consciousness. If you suspect they may be going into shock, it can be helpful to raise their bottom and lower limbs – Get veterinary help immediately.
- Try and stop any obvious bleeding by applying firm pressure to the wound.
- If they are unconscious and breathing, very carefully roll them into the recovery position.
- Phone your vet or the nearest veterinary surgery.
The vet will want to know:
- what has happened?
- are there any obvious injuries?
- where the animal is now and do you need to move them to allow traffic to begin moving again?
The vet is likely to give you advice as to how to stabilize particular injuries and the best way to move the animal.
Consider muzzling your pet if there is a risk of you being bitten
Be aware that injured animals will be scared and in pain. Dogs in pain and frightened are likely to bite, even if they know and love you, so an emergency muzzle can be made with some bandage or tape to loop over the dog’s nose before transporting or handling.
Only use a muzzle if the animal is not having breathing difficulties and is not at risk of vomiting.
Keep the injured animal warm
- Keep your dog warm by wrapping them in a blanket, coat or foil blanket
- Ensure their nose and mouth exposed.
- Carefully transport them directly to your nearest vet.
- If there is a risk of a spinal injury you should do your best to avoid twisting your dog when transferring them to your vehicle.
Moving your dog
Support their head and neck and carefully roll them, ideally onto a stiff board, car parcel shelf, or blanket to transfer them into the car.
Roll them onto the improvised stretcher to transport them – avoiding twisting their spine.
Everyone on the road should have a suitably stocked first aid kit and know how to use its contents. Most of the contents of a human first aid kit can be useful to a dog in a medical emergency – but never give any human medication to a dog without veterinary instructions to do so.
If your dog is having difficulty breathing
- Remove their collar, open their mouth and check for any obstructions.
- If they are unconscious and breathing, place on their right-hand side in the recovery position.
Do not give them any food or drink
Do not give food or drink to an injured animal in case they need an anaesthetic.
However, if there will be a delay getting veterinary treatment and your dog is distressed and dehydrated, on veterinary advice they may be given small amounts of water.
Do not give any medication unless directed to do so by the vet.
Hopefully you will never need to use this information – but it’s always good to know, just in case.
First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.