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Vet Emergency in London | Emergencies in pets | Emergencies in dogs

Steps to Take If Your Dog Is Hit by a Car

In London city, having your dog be hit by a car is a common accident. In this situation, you might not know exactly what to do. Our emergency vets will guide you through the process step-by-step to help ensure the highest chance of a positive outcome for your beloved pet.

  1. Step 1: Assess the Situation
  2. Step 2: Control Your Dog's Movement
  3. Step 3: Check for Visible Injuries
  4. Step 4: Stabilize Your Dog Before Transporting Them
  5. Step 5: Contact an Emergency Veterinarian
  6. Step 6: Transporting Your Dog to a Veterinary Hospital
  7. Step 7: Explaining the Situation to Veterinarians and Staff
  8. Step 8: Supporting Your Dog During Treatment

Assess the Situation

Immediately following the accident, take a deep breath and remain as calm as possible. Your dog will likely be frightened and in pain, so staying collected will ultimately benefit both you and your pet. Keep an eye on your surroundings, as there could still be moving vehicles around that pose additional risks.

Control Your Dog's Movement

Injured dogs may try to run away or become aggressive due to fear and pain. Approach your pet slowly and calmly while speaking soothingly. Place a leash or collar around their neck if they do not already have one. Be careful when handling your dog - even the gentlest of pets can bite out of pain or fear. If your dog exhibits signs of aggression, consider using a muzzle or a blanket wrapped around their head to prevent bites.

Check for Visible Injuries

Take the time to look for any visible injuries on your dog, such as:

  1. Bleeding wounds
  2. Bruising or swelling
  3. Broken bones or twisted limbs
  4. Puncture marks (from possible dog bites)
  5. Any other signs of discomfort

If you see any serious injuries, do not attempt to treat them on your own. Seek help from our emergency vet in London.

Stabilize Your Dog Before Transporting Them

Moving your injured pet should be done with extreme caution to prevent further harm. It may be necessary to immobilize their body before moving them, especially if they have suffered fractures or spinal injuries. Use a large flat object like a board or even a thick blanket rolled up as a makeshift stretcher to transport them

How to Move Your Dog Safely:

  1. Place a towel or blanket around your dog's neck and head to minimize movement.
  2. Position yourself and any helpers on either side of your dog.
  3. One person should hold the front legs while the other holds the hind legs.
  4. Lift together, keeping your dog's spine aligned.
  5. Once your dog is on the stretcher, secure them with straps or towels to prevent falling during transport.

Contact an Emergency Veterinarian

While it may be tempting to rush to the nearest vet, it's crucial to first call an emergency veterinary service.

Some clinics might not have emergency care available during specific hours, so contacting them will allow you to ensure they are prepared for your arrival.

Remember to provide detailed information on what occurred, the location of the accident, and any visible injuries so the hospital can be best equipped to help.

Our on-call veterinary service is available 7 days a week on 033 0027 0670

Transporting Your Dog to a Veterinary Hospital

Moving quickly is of utmost importance, as injured dogs may go into shock or have internal bleeding that isn't apparent. If possible, it's best to have someone drive you to the hospital while another person focuses on keeping the dog calm and stabilized during transport. If this option isn't available, pull over periodically during the drive to ensure your dog hasn't further shifted or become more distressed.

If your dog is too painful to be moved, have a vet come to your home.

Explaining the Situation to Veterinarians and Staff

Once you arrive at the veterinary hospital, a staff member will likely meet you in the parking lot to assist with transporting your dog inside. Be ready to provide them with as much information as possible about your dog:

  1. Name, age, breed, and weight
  2. Medical history (if known)
  3. Current medications (if applicable)
  4. Vaccination status (if known)
  5. Details of the accident and observed injuries

Providing accurate and complete information will aid veterinarians in providing appropriate care for your pet.

Supporting Your Dog During Treatment

While the veterinary team works tirelessly to treat your dog, remain positive and supportive for your pet. This might include speaking encouragingly, holding their paw, or simply being present. Keep in mind that you will also need to discuss treatment options, prognosis, and financial considerations with the veterinarian.

Although this scenario is distressing, following the steps above can help ensure that your dog receives the best care possible after being hit by a car. Your actions immediately following an accident could mean the difference between life and death for your beloved pet.