If your pet is hit by a car it is a very stressful experience for both you and your animal. Always be careful handling your pet after car trauma as they can be so stressed and frightened they can bite. Even if your dog or cat appears to walk well after the impact of the car, it is possible that there are life threatening and hidden injuries to your pet's lungs (such as bruising or abnormal air in the space between lungs and chest wall) and abdominal organs (such as the bladder). It is important that your pet be taken to a veterinary facility as soon as possible after trauma for a thorough examination that may include radiographs of the chest and abdomen.
How you can help your pet:
- Call your veterinarian immediately so that they can be well prepared for your arrival.
- Remove your pet from the road taking care of your safety at all times. Be aware that your pet may be in pain and sometimes even the nicest animals will become aggressive when injured.
- Just like with humans, if bones are broken it is best to try and keep them still until they can be treated. When you move the animal for transport try and keep them as still as possible. Sometimes two people can best lift an animal using a towel. It is then best to place them onto something solid, such as a board of wood, a pet basket or similar for further transport.
- If you are concerned that your animal is bleeding anywhere excessively, the area can be wrapped in a towel with gentle pressure.
- Transport the animal to an emergency animal hospital as soon as possible.
Advanced Vetcare is available 24hrs a day on 9092 0400
Advanced Vetcare is a 24hr emergency veterinary clinic. Map and Directions are available here