What should I do if my dog is in a Road Traffic Accident?

Usually dogs are the ones that are mostly involved in car accidents as compared to cats. At most times it is easy to tell whether or not your pet dog was hit significantly by a vehicle or not. Caring dog owners should never allow their pets to go astray in areas with lots of traffic. Always keep your dog within your yard premises be it within a fenced or walled yard. Try as much to ensure that your dog does not get any spaces to escape the yard as they are fond of going to the outside world. Remember that your dog has never attended any road crossing lessons ever since, hence he is at high risk of being involved in accidents, much worse if he can cause the accident itself. When taking your dog on a walk, make sure that you have a leash around the dog’s neck to ensure that he does not run too far from you.

When your dog gets hit by a car you are advised to rush him immediately to the nearest vet. The common injuries that the dog may incur involve those at the head and limbs. At some times the dog may obtain internal injuries such as the chest and rib injuries. Also, there are times when you may not easily identify whether your pet has been hit by a vehicle. This may prove dangerous and can lead to sudden death due to bleeding from the inside. Nevertheless the behavior patterns of your dog may, in one way or another, point out that if he is not feeling well. When you begin to notice this, take him to the nearest vet immediately.

Exercise is also very important when it comes to looking after your dog. Dogs like to play so go ahead and play with them. Exercising with your dog regularly can be one way to identify whether he has a health problem or not. When a dog isn’t feeling well, he will appear reluctant to perform physical exercises or even look apprehensive in simply getting up. These signs should certainly tell you that your dog is facing a serious problem. If he also spends more than 4 hours on one position, then it is not feeling well at all. Alternatively, when you throw your dog’s favorite bone or food on the ground he does not run for it at all. If these scenarios are present then seriously your dog needs to visit his as soon as possible.

Surprisingly, dogs can still get involved in a car accident when they are inside the actual vehicle. Carrying a dog within the car without putting a seat belt for your pet makes him susceptible to being jostled about during an accident. This can prove dangerous not only for the dog but also to the people inside the car as well. Dog car seat belts are readily available in many sizes nowadays. They are also very easy to mount on the seats. So try buying one right now. Lastly, never take the risk of traveling with your dog whilst seated on a parcel shelf. Remove the shelf and place the dog at the boot or rather in a dog cage.

Disclaimer

This pet health article is for reference only.

If your pet is showing any symptoms or distress, and you suspect your pet is ill CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY.