PCPR- Lesson 2- Hit by Car (HBC)

When an animal is hit by a car there is a great deal of trauma to their body that can result. It also becomes a very emotionally charged environment, especially if it is your animal. Most vehicular accidents involving animals usually involve a dog. Since the accident results in the animal being in the road it is important to safely move the animal out of the line of traffic to prevent further injury to both the pet and the rescuer. If there are any bystanders, ask them to help stop traffic and assist you if you are unable to carry the animal by yourself.

Remember that animals that are in pain and are scared can lash out by biting and/or scratching. Have your gauze muzzle handy if you need to place one on the animal or a pillowcase in the case of wrapping up a cat. If the animal is having trouble breathing, then do not place anything on its head. Refer to the section in this book about how to safely move an injured animal.

Observe the animal carefully to evaluate them for wounds, in particular wounds that are bleeding. Take some clean gauze from your first aid kit or a clean cloth to put pressure on the wound. If you suspect any type of head trauma, or other fractures or breaks, use caution when moving the animal. Further movement to areas of the body which sustained serious wounds can cause the injuries to become much worse. Consider putting a splint on the animal’s limb to immobilize the limb during transport. Animals that go into cardiac arrest will need to have CPR initiated and likely continued until you get to a veterinary hospital. Internal injuries from such an accident may not show up until 12-72 hours after the accident. Therefore, it is so important to get the animal to a veterinarian to be evaluated even if the event seemed minor.