Accidents
happen. Even if you have a fenced yard or you keep a watchful eye on
your canine or feline friend, a car accident can happen in an
instant. In the United States alone, over six million cats and dogs
are struck by vehicles every year. You should prepare for this type
of tragedy should your own pet fall victim to a vehicle.
Here
are things you should do if your beloved dog or cat gets struck by a
car. This same information is helpful if you see someone else's pet
get injured by a vehicle as well.
Remain
Calm and Stay Safe
While
your first instinct is to run into traffic to retrieve your panicked
and injured animal, stay calm and do what you can to alert traffic of
the accident so people can safely slow down or stop. Wave your arms
from the side of the road close to where your pet was struck and try
to get other people walking about to do the same; the motion will
alert drivers of potential danger ahead and cause them to slow down.
Only
when traffic has slowed and you can safely enter the street should
you attempt to retrieve your injured cat or dog. If you have extra
clothing or some type of material such as a towel, use this material
to cover your hands to protect yourself against being bitten or
scratched by the frightened, pained creature. A muzzle made out of a
shoelace, long sock, or even a tie or scarf can protect yourself
against being bitten and help restrain your pet.
Get
your pet to a safe location before you seriously check the animal for
wounds. Search for open wounds, ample or active blood loss, exposed
bones, and body parts bent in awkward, unnatural angles.
Even
if it appears your pet can walk on their own, don't allow your dog or
cat to move on their own and never leave your injured pet unattended.
Even with a serious injury, your pet may still try to bolt out of
fear and confusion.
Get
to an Emergency Vet
Use
a coat, towel, blanket, or even a seat cover to wrap your injured pet
so you can keep them protected and comfortable for the ride to the
vet. If you don't have a vehicle with you, call the local police.
They can refer you to the local animal control officer on patrol, or
they can provide other assistance.
Call
your emergency veterinarian as soon as you have your pet safe and
secure in a vehicle to let the animal professional know you are on
your way. This way, the vet can have a stretcher and full staff ready
to treat your animal as soon as you enter the parking lot.
When
you speak to the vet, give as much detail about the animal's accident
as you can. The type of vehicle involved, where your pet was struck,
any noticeable injuries, the conscious state of your pet, and other
information will help your emergency vet prepare for treatment of
your injured furry companion.
Keep
an emergency pet kit in your car, just in case. This kit should
contain a leash, leather gloves, clean towels, a sheet, containers of
fresh food and water, and veterinary information. Keep this kit in
the back of your vehicle in the event that your — or someone else's
— dog or cat gets hit by a car so you are best prepared.
Your emergency
veterinarian
will
treat your furry companion any time of day or night to give the
quality care and emergency treatment needed to give your pet the best
chance of recovery. Our veterinary specialists at Angel Pet Hospital
will address your emergency pet situation with professional and
confident care. Call us immediately for all your dog or cat health
needs.
