If your dog is hit by a car, he could sustain broken bones, a damaged spinal cord, wounds and bleeding, shock, even a brain injury causing coma or seizures. Or, he might shake himself off and walk away. No matter how bad or how mild his injuries appear, take any dog hit by a car to a vet or emergency care clinic immediately.
If your dog isn’t breathing or has no heartbeat, follow the instructions for emergency breathing or CPR. If he has bleeding wounds, follow the directions to stop bleeding. If your dog is in shock but breathing, transport him lying on his side to the vet via a stretcher or blanket. Keep your dog calm by talking in a soft, gentle, soothing voice and reassure him. Stay with him and keep talking. If you are panicked and upset, it will probably make your dog more panicked and upset, too, possibly aggravating his condition.
Excerpted from The Simple Guide to a Healthy Dog by Eve Adamson, published by TFH Publications, used with permission.
