What Should I Do If My Pet Gets Hit by a Car? Immediate Steps for Pet Emergency Care

1. Stay Calm: How to React When Your Pet is Injured

It’s every pet owner’s worst nightmare—seeing your beloved pet hit by a car. In the panic of the moment, it’s crucial to stay calm and take control of the situation. Rushing in without a clear plan could make things worse for your pet. Take a deep breath and quickly assess your surroundings to ensure it’s safe for both you and your pet to act.

First, check for oncoming traffic to avoid putting yourself in danger. Once it’s safe, approach your pet slowly and gently. Speak to them in a calm, reassuring voice to avoid startling them, especially if they are in shock or pain. Even if your pet seems alert and responsive, it’s important to remember that they could still be seriously injured, so handle them carefully.

2. Assessing the Injury: What to Look For

After safely approaching your pet, assess the situation quickly. Check for obvious signs of injury such as bleeding, broken bones, or difficulty breathing. If your pet is conscious, try to keep them as still as possible to avoid causing further harm. Look for the following signs:

• Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure to any bleeding wounds with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the flow of blood.
• Broken bones: If you suspect a broken bone, try not to move the affected limb and avoid placing weight on it.
• Difficulty breathing: If your pet is struggling to breathe, this could indicate internal injuries or a collapsed lung, which requires immediate professional care.
• Signs of shock: Symptoms of shock in pets include pale gums, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing. Keep them warm and calm while seeking medical attention.

Try to evaluate the extent of the injuries and note any unusual behavior or symptoms, which will be helpful when speaking with the veterinarian.

3. Basic First Aid Tips for Injured Pets

While waiting to get to a veterinarian, you can perform basic first aid to stabilize your pet and reduce further injury. Here are some first aid tips to follow:

• Stop Bleeding: Apply pressure to any bleeding areas with a clean cloth or bandage. If necessary, use a tourniquet above the bleeding site, but only as a last resort.
• Immobilize the Injury: If you suspect your pet has broken a bone, try to immobilize the injured area by using a makeshift splint or bandage to minimize movement.
• Cover Wounds: If there are open wounds, cover them with a clean, sterile dressing to prevent infection and contamination.
• Keep Your Pet Warm: Shock is a serious condition, and it can be exacerbated by a drop in body temperature. Keep your pet warm with a blanket while transporting them to the vet.

These basic first aid steps can help stabilize your pet and prevent further harm until you can get professional veterinary care.

4. Seeking Professional Help: When to Take Your Pet to the Vet

Regardless of the severity of the injury, it’s crucial to take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if your pet seems alert or the injury looks minor, internal injuries are common in car accidents and may not be immediately obvious. Any trauma involving a vehicle warrants a thorough examination by a veterinarian.

In some cases, your vet may recommend immediate diagnostic tests such as X-rays to evaluate internal injuries, or they may suggest surgery to address any fractures, internal bleeding, or other complications.

At Hidden Brook Veterinary, we are equipped to handle pet emergencies, providing comprehensive care for animals that have been involved in accidents. If your pet has been hit by a car, don't wait—click here to schedule an emergency visit with our experienced team: Hidden Brook Veterinary.

5. Preventing Accidents: How to Keep Your Pet Safe

While accidents can happen at any time, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your pet being involved in a car accident. Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe:

• Keep Pets Leashed: Always keep your pet on a leash when walking near traffic or in areas where they could easily dart into the road.
• Secure Your Pet in a Vehicle: Never let your pet roam freely in the car. Use a crate, seat belt harness, or pet barrier to ensure they are secure while traveling.
• Train Your Pet: Teach your dog commands such as "stay" or "wait" to prevent them from running into dangerous areas.
• Fencing and Barriers: If you have a yard, make sure the fence is secure and tall enough to prevent your pet from escaping into the street.

By being proactive about your pet’s safety, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that your furry friend stays safe from harm.