When you’re a pet owner, there’s nothing worse than your furry friend getting hit by a car. It can be a frightening experience for both of you and can often be an emergency. While you may feel helpless and overwhelmed, you can take some steps 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 contact your vet. Try to stay as calm as possible and explain what happened. Your vet can provide advice over the phone or recommend that you bring your pet in for a checkup. They may advise you to take your pet directly to an emergency veterinary clinic if the accident is serious.
2. Keep Your Pet Calm
Keep your pet as comfortable and still as possible until help arrives. Gently restrain it from moving around too much and offer reassurance if needed. This will reduce its pain and suffering, minimize any further injury and make it easier for you or anyone else involved to handle the situation safely.
It may be more challenging to do if your pet is in distress, but try to remain calm. This will help you focus on what needs to be done and provide a sense of control for you and your pet. You may see this Lakewood vet if you’re nearby Lakewood, CO.
3. Assess Your Pet’s Condition
Carefully check your pet to see if it’s still conscious and breathing. If possible, assess any visible signs of injury, like bleeding and broken bones, while you wait for medical attention.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Bleeding
- Broken bones
- Swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Disorientation or confusion
These external signs may indicate more serious internal damage, so have your pet checked by a vet as soon as possible. It’s also essential to get them appropriate veterinary care even if they seem fine.
4. Use Crate or Carrier to Transport to the Vet
Once you’ve spoken with a vet who advised you to take your pet to the clinic, use a crate for larger animals or a carrier for smaller ones for transport. This helps ensure they remain still and prevent further injury during transport. It also makes it easier to control your animal companion while providing it with a sense of security in an unfamiliar environment.
Moreover, it can reduce the risk of being injured by other animals or people if you have to wait at the veterinary clinic before being seen.
5. Stay by Your Pet’s Side
Remain with your pet during their treatment and recovery period. This provides them with emotional support and comfort during what may be an overwhelming time for both of you. Like humans, animals also have feelings and need care, comfort, and affection during difficult times.
Also, try to keep track of your pet’s medical progress. Ask questions about their diagnosis and treatment plan so you can be more informed on how to care for them after they are discharged from the clinic. That’s why taking your pet to a reputable vet clinic, such as Red Rocks Animal Center, is important for proper care and attention. Try to visit their pet checkup page to see their treatment protocols and standards.
Here are some tips on caring for your pets after being hit by a car during their recovery:
- Monitor your pet’s activity closely and limit their movement as needed.
- Make sure they get enough rest and quiet time.
- Provide comfortable bedding in a warm, quiet area to help them recover.
- Encourage drinking water and eating small amounts of food often.
- Administer any medication prescribed by the veterinarian as directed.
- Keep an eye on signs of distress or discomfort to determine whether additional medical attention is needed.
6. Follow Your Vet’s Instructions
Always follow your vet’s instructions for caring for your pet after the accident. To help with recovery, it’s important to stick to any prescribed medications and dietary recommendations from the veterinarian. You should also give them plenty of rest and comfort at home.
Sometimes, vets recommend additional treatments, such as cold laser therapy (learn more here). In addition, ensure to keep up with any follow-up appointments, so your pet can receive a thorough assessment and the best care possible.
Keep in Mind
Accidents happen, so always remain alert and aware of your pet’s activity outdoors. Ensure that they are properly restrained and supervised, as this will help reduce the risk of them getting injured or worse. If you encounter a situation where your pet is hit by a car, avoid panicking and remember to take action quickly.
Following the steps outlined above, you can help your pet receive the best care possible after being hit by a car. And just like with humans, time and rest are often the best medicine.
