My dog was hit by a car. What do I do?

No-one wants to experience their dog being hit by a car. However, knowing what to do is your best chance at giving them the help they need towards a speedy recovery.

What to do if you dog has been hit by a car

• Stay calm – it can be a frightening and emotional experience seeing your dog get hit by a car, but the most important thing you can do is stay calm so you can help your dog get the attention they need. You will possibly find the driver to be in a similar state of shock too.

• Call your vet – contact your local vet. If it is after hours or you are away from home, contact the closest emergency veterinary hospital. They may ask you some questions such as what injuries your dog may have and how your dog is responding. They can also offer advice on how to best handle, support and transport your dog to the veterinary clinic. Calling before you arrive also allows the vet and nurses to get ready for your arrival.

• Handle with care – if your dog has been hit by a car they may be hurt and frightened. Handle with care and offer your dog some comforting soothing words to help them and you calm down. Transporting an injured pet can cause unnecessary pain or worsen injuries so proceed with caution. A pet that is in pain can also bite or show aggression out of self-protection when they have never shown such aggression before. If you are worried about moving your pet, seek advice from your vet.

• Communicate with the driver – the person driving the vehicle is bound to be shaken up by the experience too. Remain calm and ask for their name and contact information. It is important to understand that in most places, the dog owner is held responsible if their pet is hit by a car for not keeping their dog off the road.

What if my dog has been hit by a car and they are not injured?

If your dog is showing no obvious signs of injury, it is still important to have them examined by a vet. They could be suffering from internal or hidden injuries, even though they appear fine.

Tips to prevent you dog being hit by a car

• Keep your dog on a lead – when you are going for a walk or taking your dog away from home, always ensure they have their collar and lead attached. Attach their lead before you open the door to your home or car. All it takes is a cat walking by to distract them.

• Check your property – make sure your backyard is safe and there are no places that your dog can escape. Check your gates and fence line for holes and gaps that your dog can squeeze through.

• Training basic commands – teach your dog basic commands such as sit, come and stay. Teach them to sit and stay until you have their lead attached and you are ready to go.

• Have your dog desexed - male dogs are more likely to roam when sexually mature and seeking a female in heat. Once this behaviour is established, it can be difficult to correct.