What Immediate Steps Should I Take If My Dog Has Been Hit by a Car?

Dear VetBabble, My Dog Has Been Hit by a Car, What Do I Need to Do?

In your terrifying situation, what should you do when your furry friend suffers from something as major as an accident? It’s important to take preventive actions and provide immediate care for your wounded pet while understanding when professional intervention becomes necessary. So, let’s delve into some advice on what to do if, like this pet owner, your dog finds himself in a similar predicament.

Immediate Actions and Home Care

One of the first things you might wonder about is how to provide immediate care, particularly if your dog is bleeding or visibly injured. Cleaning the wound and applying a bandage, as you’ve already done, is a good first approach. Here, our article on How to Treat your Dog’s Wounds at Home offers a detailed guide about the process you may follow. But, remember, these are just preliminary steps. It’s crucial not to underestimate the seriousness of a car impact. While your dog might seem fine apart from obvious injuries, internal problems may not be initially evident.

Potential Complications and When to Call a Vet

So, if your pet had been hit by a car like the case we have here, always consider it a potential emergency. In many cases, external wounds barely scratch the surface of what an animal might be suffering from internally. Internal bleeding, organ damage, shock – all of these are potential consequences of such an incident and none of them are things you can treat at home. It’s not uncommon for animals, especially dogs, to hide their pain. They might seem okay, but it’s always better to play it safe and seek professional help. Our article Why Is My Dog Limping? When to Worry and What to Do talks about some signs you can watch for if you suspect serious injury. Ideally, if your pet has been in an accident, see a vet as soon as you can. The sooner a professional can examine your dog and administer the necessary care, the greater the chances of your pet making a full recovery.

Preventive Measures and Preparedness

Of course, none of us ever want to imagine our beloved pets getting into an accident. But being equipped with the right knowledge and resources can help significantly in these situations. For example, knowing Basic First Aid for Dogs is an effective tool for any pet owner and a good start to immediate care. Additionally, familiarising ourselves with ways to prevent accidents such as this is crucial. For instance, maintaining your dog’s nails to ensure they don’t affect their movement can be one such preventive measure. Our guide on How to Prevent and Treat a Broken Nail on a Dog can help with that. So, in conclusion, seek immediate veterinary care if your pet has been struck by a vehicle, regardless of how minor their injuries might appear. Being prepared, vigilant, and sensible in these unfortunate situations can make a world of difference to your pet’s health and survival.

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