What to do if your dog gets hit by a car

Unfortunately, I can speek from experience when it comes to dealing with my dog getting hit. Back in April 2008 my four month old puppy ran into the street and was hit by a car. Fortunately she survived and only suffered fractures to her right arm, and minor abrasions on her eyes and snout, and because she was so young she was able to recover faster than if she was and older dog. So if you don't find your self faced with this situation, I hope these tips can help you as much as they have helped me.

The first thing you'll want to do is call your vet right away. The vet will ask you questions about how your dog is responding and any visible injuries it may have, and based off of that information they will tell you what to do in the mean time as you get ready to go to the vet/hospital office.

When you are transporting your dog to your vehicle be very careful and gentle. You don't want to make a sudden or violent movement which could actually make its fractures or any other injuries worse. Gently place your dog in the car and have someone with you so that they can hold the animal still and try keeping it calm while you drive. Also, be prepared to pay out of pocket for the cost of any treatment that may need to be done. If you have pet insurance you may not have to worry about this, but it's still good to have some extra cash just in case.

The vet will ask you about the extent of treatment that you'll want to have done for your dog. Each may cost a seperate fee. These fee's could include a regular examination, x-ray, antibiotics, blood work, applying a splint/cast, or any surgery that may need to be done. Be prepared for this. Also, be prepared for you dog to be taken in the back and examined where you will not be able to see what's going on. Again, this is why it's good to have someone else with you who you can talk to and try to remain calm with.

Depending on what needs to be done you may or may not have to leave your dog there at the vet/hospital and pick it up the next day. When you are able to take your dog home the doctor will give you certain instructions you should take to help the healing process, and may or may not administer medication. It is important to follow these directions.

Make sure that your dog has a comfortable area to rest in, you may have to limit it's activity so it's important for your dog to be comfortable and relaxed here. You have the option of keeping it in a kennel or laying it close to you so that you can be close to it while it's healing. Showing your love and support during this time is important because you're pet is going to need it. It has gone through a traumatic experience and knowing that it has you there to show it love and affection can not only make it feel better but speed up the healing process as well.

Make sure to make any follow up appointments for you dog so that both you and the doctor can know if the healing process is going well. The doctor may also be able to give you an idea of when your dog should be done healing.