by vet Laura Foddy
Unfortunately, sometimes pets are involved in road traffic collisions. The most common accident is a dog or cat running onto the road in front of an oncoming vehicle. Sometimes, a dog may be in the car during a collision between two vehicles.
Whilst avoidance is crucial, accidents can happen to anyone. So – if your pet is involved in a road traffic accident, what should you do?
Stay calm. Your pet may be in pain and shock. They will pick up your stress and anxiety as well. Staying calm will help your pet stay calm.
Do not put yourself or others in danger. A pet in pain and shock may become aggressive in their confusion – do not put yourself in a position where they can hurt you or others. Keep your face away from their head in case they quickly swing round and knock you.
Make sure you’re not in danger of other oncoming vehicles and try to move your pet out of the way of the road.
Call your vet, even if they are closed, to reach the emergency line. Even if your pet is moving, it is worth a vet checking them over to ensure there is no indication of internal injuries that may not be obvious initially.
If your pet’s breathing pattern seems sporadic or laboured, this is an indication they need emergency attention.
Check your pet for any external signs of injury. If there are any areas that are heavily bleeding then put pressure on with towels, blankets or items of clothing whilst you get them to the vets. If there is an area of skin loss, gently place a soft fabric around it for protection and get them to your nearest vet.
If your pet is limping, then avoid touching the affected limb unless there is an open wound.
If your pet seems unable to move, then keeping them as steady as possible is important in case of spinal damage. If a stretcher is available, then it would be beneficial to slide them onto it to take them into the vets. Alternatively use a car parcel shelf, or a wide wooden board or a blanket.
Drive carefully. Whilst you may be tempted to get your pet to the vets as quickly as possible, remember there is a potentially stressed and painful patient in the vehicle. Drive carefully and safely and try to avoid sudden movements. Ideally, have another person with you to reassure your pet and keep any wounds covered if needed.