GotoAID Dogs - Car Accident

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GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only

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Car Accident

Pets love to play outside and unfortunately many are hit by cars as they cross the road. The accident can cause a very serious set of injuries and because many pets walk away from the scene looking like any injuries were minor, there can be a host of internal injuries that are overlooked. Usually the pets are seriously injured and you have to get them to a vet immediately, first aid can assist in giving you some precious time to get your pet medical help.

Symptoms

Bleeding	Broken Bones
Pain	Limping
Wounds	Trouble Breathing

Steps

Muzzle your dog as your dog may try to bite you while you are trying to help them

Check ABC’s of life support--Airway, breathing, circulation. Can you see, feel, or hear your pet breathing? If your pet is not breathing, begin rescue breathing immediately.

If your pet is non-responsive and has stopped breathing, be prepared to give artificial respiration by closing your dog’s mouth with one or two hands and gently breathe into your dog’s nostrils.

Administer 5-10 breaths per minute for large dogs and 10-20 breaths per minute for small dogs. With each breath, one should see the chest slightly rise.

Check that your dog’s heart is still beating by feeling for the heart on your dog’s chest and/or feeling for your dog’s pulse. (The pulse is easily felt in the femoral artery located on the inside of the thigh.)

If no pulse or heart beat is felt, begin CPR.

Check for bleeding, if there is bleeding then apply a clean cloth or gauze pad to the wound and apply pressure

If blood soaks through the pad, apply another pad over it and apply pressure. Do not remove the pad or cloth underneath it.

The bleeding should stop within 5 minutes

If bleeding is not well controlled, one can apply a pressure bandage by wrapping the wound with several layers of gauze and then using an elastic bandage, duct tape, or masking tape over it to maintain pressure. Do not apply so much pressure that circulation below the wound is compromised.

Treat and check for signs of shock. (Signs of shock include weakness, pale or grey gums, body temperature changes, & rapid breathing.) Slightly rise your pet’s back end to increase blood flow to the heart. Keep your pet warm with a blanket if cold. If your pet is hot, cool down with cold compresses to the chest and abdomen.

If there is injury to the eye then soak a clean cloth in clean water and gently hold it over the eye without applying any pressure

Check for broken bones. If there is an obvious injury occurring below the elbow joint (located on the front limbs) or below the knee joint (located on the rear limbs), a splint can be applied to temporarily stabilize the injured limb until veterinary help is available. Split the injured limb by securing it with a firm material such as a rolled up newspaper or magazine placed on the inside and outside of the limb. Secure the splint with duct tape or rope.

Prior to transport if available, you can provide extra stabilization by using a plywood or solid object as a stretcher. Ensure your dog does not fall off by securing him to the board with tape or rope.

Transport to the nearest vet making sure someone sits with the dog to keep him calm and still

Warnings

DO NOT wash wounds that are bleeding heavily

DO NOT remove initial cloth as it will remove the clot trying to form

Pets can die from shock in 10 – 20 minutes unless they get veterinarian help

Be aware of your personal safety. Animals in pain will often bite or hurt their well-meaning owner. Be prepared to restrain your dog by wrapping it in a towel or applying a muzzle so that you can administer first aid care.

DO NOT attempt to apply a splint to a broken bone without proper restraint

DO NOT attempt to splint a broken bone

Tips

Try to keep your dog calm by speaking with soothing words or gently stroking him

Cover wounds with a clean cloth can help prevent or slow infection

Signs of shock may include weakness, collapse, pale or grey colored gums, irregular breathing, high heart rate, weak pulse and body temperature changes (e.g. very cold or very hot)

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