Your goal is to keep your pet as safe as possible, but sometimes accidents happen. Do you know what to do if your pet is hit by a car? Such an accident involving your pet is every pet parent’s worst nightmare. The situation is stressful and frightening, but knowing what to do can help ensure your pet receives the care they need. This article details what you need to know should your pet be hit by a car and provides tips to help prevent this tragic circumstance.
How to react if your pet is hit by a car
Your pet is struck by a vehicle. What do you do? Here is a step-by-step guide:
Stay calm — It’s natural to panic, but staying calm will help you think clearly and act quickly to provide the care your pet needs.
Ensure your safety — Before rushing to your pet’s side, ensure the traffic has stopped and you can approach your pet safely.
Move slowly — Approach your pet slowly to prevent them from becoming more frightened. They may be in shock and could react unpredictably.
Move your pet to safety — If possible, use a blanket or towel to gently lift your pet and move them to a safer location off the road.
Contact a veterinary clinic — Contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Describe the accident and your pet’s condition so they can prepare for your arrival. Follow any first aid advice they provide.
Monitor for breathing and consciousness — Determine if your pet is conscious and breathing normally. If they are unresponsive or struggling to breathe, they need immediate veterinary attention.
Look for visible injuries — Check for bleeding, broken bones, or any obvious injuries. Your pet may appear unharmed, but could still have internal injuries.
Control bleeding — If your pet is bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage to control the bleeding until you can get to the vet.
Keep your pet warm and calm — Shock is a common response to trauma such as being hit by a car. Cover your pet with a blanket so they stay warm and keep them as calm as possible.
Transport your pet safely — If possible, carefully place your pet in a sturdy carrier or on a flat surface to transport them and keep them as still as possible during the ride. Drive smoothly and safely to the veterinary practice, avoiding sudden and sharp turns that could further injure your pet.
What to expect at the veterinary clinic if your pet is hit by a car
Regardless of your pet’s condition, they require veterinary attention after being hit by a car. They may not have any obvious injuries, but they may have internal damage and should be assessed by a veterinary professional. Here’s what to expect:
Emergency triage — On arrival, the veterinary team will determine the severity of your pet’s injuries. The team will focus on stabilizing your pet’s condition and addressing any immediate threats to their life.
Diagnostic tests — The veterinary team may perform X-rays to assess for broken bones, spinal injuries, or internal trauma. They may use an ultrasound or CT scan to evaluate internal organs for damage and will likely also perform blood tests to check for internal bleeding, organ function, and overall health status.
Stabilization — Initial treatment to stabilize your pet may involve treatments such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, pain management, and wound care.
Surgery or intensive care — If your pet has severe injuries, such as internal bleeding, broken bones, or organ damage, surgery may be required. Seriously injured pets may need hospitalization for intensive monitoring and care. This may include ongoing pain management, fluid therapy, and close observation of vital signs.
Post-treatment care — Once your pet is stable enough to go home, the veterinarian will provide detailed discharge instructions about medications, wound care, activity restriction, and signs to watch for during recovery. You may also need to schedule follow-up visits to monitor your pet’s recovery, remove sutures, or conduct further diagnostic tests.
How to prevent your pet from being hit by a car
Strategies to reduce your pet’s risk of being hit by a car include:
Leash your pet — When on outings with your pet, always use a leash for control, and ensure their collar or harness fits properly. Collars and harnesses should fit snugly enough that you can insert two fingers between the collar or harness and your pet’s skin with no gaps.
Supervise outdoor time — Always supervise your pet when outdoors, especially near roads. Even in a fenced yard, keep an eye on your pet to prevent escape.
Secure your yard — Ensure your yard is securely fenced and your pet is safely contained. Regularly check the fence for gaps, loose boards, and other vulnerabilities. Ensure your gates are securely locked, and consider using self-closing or self-latching gates to help prevent your pet from accidentally getting out.
Train your pet — Commands, such as “Stay,” “Come,” and “Heel” can be lifesaving. If your pet knows to stop or return to you on command, they are at reduced risk of running into traffic. Focus on recall training, so that your pet reliably comes back when called, even in distracting or potentially dangerous situations.
Be visible at night — If you walk your pet at night or in low-light conditions, use reflective collars, leashes, or vests so you and your pet are more visible to drivers. You can also carry a flashlight or use a clip-on light on your pet’s collar to increase visibility.
Be aware of your surroundings — Stay alert during walks and pay attention to your surroundings, including approaching cars. You should also walk your pet in low-traffic areas or use designated pet parks to minimize exposure to cars.
Knowing how to react if your pet is hit by a car can save their life. Contact our First Coast Veterinary Specialists and Emergency team if your pet needs emergency or specialized veterinary care.
