Hit by a car: dog first aid

What to do

1. Keep yourself safe from traffic first.
2. Stay calm and approach slowly. Use a muzzle or towel if needed, but never if your dog is struggling to breathe or has face injuries.
3. Check for heavy bleeding or trouble breathing. Press a clean cloth on bleeding wounds.
4. Move your dog off the road carefully on a board, blanket or coat, keeping its head, neck and back as still as you can.
5. Keep your dog warm with a blanket or coat.
6. Take your dog straight to the nearest vet and call to say you're coming.

Signs

• Fast, heavy or difficult breathing
• Limping or unable to walk
• Wounds or bleeding
• Pale gums
• Cold feet or ears
• Weakness or collapse

Why

Dogs hit by cars can have serious internal injuries and bleeding that don't show at first. Every dog in a road accident should see a vet straight away.