What to Do After Your Pet Has Been Hit by a Car

When you’re a pet owner, nothing is worse than your furry pal getting hit by a vehicle. It can be a terrifying experience for both of you and can often be an emergency. While you might feel helpless and overwhelmed, you can take some measures to help save their lives and get the medical attention they need.

Here’s how:

1. Call the Vet

The first thing to do is call your veterinarian. Try to stay as calm as possible and describe what occurred. Your vet can provide advice over the phone or recommend that you bring your pet in for an examination. They may advise you to take your pet to an emergency veterinary facility if the accident is serious.

2. Keep Your Pet Calm

Keep your pet as comfortable and still as possible till help arrives. Gently limit it from moving too much and offer reassurance if needed. This will lower its pain and suffering, minimize further injury and make it easier for you or anyone involved to deal with the situation safely. It might be more challenging if your pet is in distress, but try to stay calm. 

This will certainly aid you in focusing on what needs to be done and provide a sense of control for you and your pet. If you have a younger pet involved in a car accident, remember, don’t panic, and get them to the nearest veterinary clinic for treatment. A puppy or kitten vet can advise you on what to do and provide the best possible care for your pet.

3. Assess Your Pet’s Condition

Carefully check your pet to see if it’s still conscious and breathing. If possible, check any visible signs of injury, like bleeding and broken bones, while you wait for medical attention.

Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

  • Bleeding
  • Broken bones
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Disorientation or confusion

These external symptoms may suggest more severe internal damage, so have your pet checked by a vet immediately. It’s also vital to get them appropriate vet care even if they seem fine.

4. Use Crate or Carrier to Transport to the Vet

As soon as you’ve talked with a veterinarian who instructed you to take your pet to the clinic, you can use a crate for bigger animals or a carrier for smaller-sized ones for transport. This helps ensure they remain still and prevent more injury during transport. 

It also makes it easier to control your pet companion while giving it a sense of security in an unfamiliar setting. Moreover, it can reduce the risk of being injured by other animals or individuals if you have to wait at the veterinary clinic before being seen.

5. Stay by Your Pet’s Side

Stay with your pet throughout its treatment and recovery period. This provides them with emotional support and comfort during what may be an overwhelming time for both of you. Like human beings, animals also have feelings and require care, comfort, and affection during hard times.

Also, try to monitor your pet’s medical development. Ask questions regarding their medical diagnosis and treatment program so you can be more informed on how to look after them after they are discharged from the facility.

Here are some guidelines on caring for your pets after being struck by a car during their recovery:

  • Monitor your pet’s activity very closely and limit their movement as needed.
  • See to it they obtain enough rest and quiet time.
  • Provide comfy bedding in a warm, peaceful area to help them recover.
  • Urge drinking water and consume small amounts of food often.
  • Administer any medication prescribed by the vet as directed.
  • Keep an eye on indications of distress or pain to identify whether additional medical attention is required.

If your dog or cat has been hit by a car and you are trying to find a veterinary clinic in your area that will help you until your pet is well again, a quick online search for “dog checkup near me” can return useful results.

6. Follow Your Vet’s Instructions

Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions for caring for your pet after the accident. To help with recovery, following any prescribed medications and nutritional recommendations from the vet is crucial. You should also give them plenty of rest and comfort in your home. 

In addition, ensure to stay up to date with any follow-up consultations, so your pet can receive a comprehensive assessment and the most effective care possible. In some cases, veterinarians will use cold laser therapy to speed up the healing process for your pet. If you wish to know more about this treatment option and locate a clinic that provides it, simply type “laser therapy for dogs near me” into a search engine.

Keep in Mind

Accidents occur, so always remain alert and aware of your pet’s activity outdoors. Make sure that they are properly restrained and supervised, as this will help in reducing the risk of them getting wounded or worse. If you ever find yourself in circumstances where your pet is struck by a car, avoid panicking and remember to take action swiftly. 

Following the steps described above, you can aid your pet in receiving the best care possible after being hit by a vehicle. And just like with humans, time and rest are often the best medicine.