Pet Emergencies—What to Do if Your Pet Is Struck by a Car
It's every pet owner's worst nightmare: finding that your beloved pet has been struck by a car and is seriously injured. While hopefully you'll never have to go through this painful experience, it's still a good idea for every pet owner to know exactly what to do (and what not to do) in those critical moments.
Move Your Pet as Little as Possible
There's a chance that your pet has suffered a serious spinal injury as a result of the impact, so you'll want to avoid moving your pet's spine as much as possible. At the same time, you'll want to carefully get your pet to safety and out of the road. Often, using a table top or other stiff, flat surface as a makeshift gurney is the best course of action here.
Muzzle Your Pet if Necessary
Unfortunately, when pets are in fear for their life, they may act in ways you would never expect. This could include lashing out, biting, or otherwise trying to flee from your care. To protect yourself, it's a good idea to muzzle your pet if there is any chance that he or she could become a danger to you or others.
Minimize the Bleeding
If your pet is experiencing heavy bleeding, you'll also want to stop the bleeding to the extent possible until you're able to get to a vet. The best way to do this is to create a tourniquet and wrapping it around the area above the source of blood loss. Just about anything can be used as a tourniquet in a pinch, including a belt, scarf, or even a scrap of t-shirt material.
Call Your Local Emergency Vet
Next, it's time to get your pet to an emergency veterinarian's office as quickly as possible. If you can, give the vet's office a call on your way in so you can let them know you're on your way. This is the best way to make sure that a veterinarian is ready to assist you as soon as possible once you arrive with your pet, which could make all the difference--especially when every second counts.
More than likely, you'll never need to experience the anguish of seeing your pet struck by a car. However, if you do, being prepared and knowing what actions to take could very well save the life of your pet. Learn more by contacting services such as Metzger Animal Hospital.