When you’re a pet owner, nothing is worse than your furry pal getting struck by a car. It can be a frightening experience for both of you and can often be an emergency. While you might feel helpless and overwhelmed, you can take some measures to help save their lives and obtain the medical attention they require.
Here’s how:
1. Call the Vet
The first thing to do is call your veterinarian. Try to stay as calm as possible and explain what happened. Your vet can advise over the phone or recommend that you bring your pet in for an examination. They may advise you to take your pet to an emergency veterinary clinic if serious accidents occur.
2. Keep Your Pet Calm
Keep your pet as comfortable and still as possible till help arrives. Carefully limit it from moving too much and offer reassurance if needed. This will lower its pain and suffering, decrease any additional injury and make it much easier for you or anyone involved to handle the situation safely and securely.
It might be more challenging 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.
3. Assess Your Pet’s Condition
Carefully check your pet to see if it’s still conscious and breathing. Check 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
- Trouble breathing
- Disorientation or confusion
These external symptoms may indicate more serious internal damage, so have your pet examined by a vet immediately because they can also provide your dog or cat wellness exams while checking for any health problems. Getting them appropriate veterinary care is vital, even if they seem fine.
4. Use Crate or Carrier to Transport to the Vet
Once you’ve talked with a vet who instructed you to take your pet to the clinic, make use of a pet crate for bigger animals or a carrier for smaller-sized ones for transportation. This helps make sure they remain still and avoid further injury during transport.
It also makes it easier to control your animal buddy while providing it with a sense of security in an unknown environment. Furthermore, it can minimize the possibility 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 throughout their treatment and recovery period. This gives them emotional support and peace of mind during what may be an overwhelming time for both of you. Like human beings, animals also have feelings and require care, comfort, and affection during hard times.
Also, try to monitor your pet’s medical progress. Ask questions regarding their diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if your pet is a youngster, so you can be more informed on how to care for puppies & kittens after they are discharged from the facility.
Below are some guidelines on caring for your pets after being struck by a car during the recovery:
- Monitor your pet’s activity closely and limit their movement as needed.
- Make sure they get enough rest and quiet time.
- Provide comfy bedding in a warm, peaceful area to help them recover.
- Encourage drinking water and eating small amounts of food often.
- Administer any medication prescribed by the veterinarian as guided.
- Keep an eye on signs of distress or discomfort to determine whether additional medical attention is required.
6. Follow Your Vet’s Instructions
Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions for caring for your pet after the accident. To aid with recovery, it’s important to follow any prescribed medications and nutritional recommendations from the veterinarian. You should also give them lots of rest and comfort at home.
In addition, ensure to stay up to date with any follow-up appointments, so your pet can receive a comprehensive analysis and the most effective care possible. On the other hand, there are situations when your vet may recommend cold laser therapy to speed up your pet’s recovery; if this is the case, you can click here to read more about the treatment and the reasons it is advised for pets.
Keep in Mind
Accidents happen, so always remain alert and aware of your pet’s activity outdoors. Ensure that they are properly restrained and monitored, as this will help reduce the risk of them getting wounded or worse. If you ever come across a situation where your pet is struck by an automobile, avoid panicking and remember to take action quickly.
Following the steps outlined above, you can aid your pet in receiving the best care possible after being hit by a vehicle. And just like with humans, time and rest are typically the best medicine.
