Hit By A Car
The following list is a basic checklist for you to follow to provide the best care possible until you reach our office.
Check For A Heart Beat:
Feel for a heart beat by placing your hand behind the left elbow on the chest. If the heart has stopped, then begin CPR. You should be pushing on the chest 6 times for every time your blow into your pet’s nose (see #2). Try to give the heart 90 compressions per minute.
Breathe For Your Pet:
If your pet is not breathing, wrap your hands around your pet’s nose (with their mouth closed) and blow into their nose. Their chest should rise. Give 15 breaths per minute.
Stop Any Bleeding:
If there is any significant bleeding, stop it. Apply direct pressure to the wound for 1-5 minutes. Use whatever is available (ie: gauze, a soft cloth, or a towel). If it soaks through add another pad, don’t remove the cloth, just apply another on top and continue the pressure. It is important not to remove the clot that will form to ultimately stop the bleeding.
It may be helpful to know where the arteries are located so you can apply pressure with your finger to reduce blood flow and allow a clot to form.
- Front Leg: The front leg artery can be located in the armpit. Use 3 fingers and apply firm pressure.
- Rear Leg: The rear leg artery can be located in the groin area. Use 3 fingers and apply firm pressure.
- Tail: The main tail artery and vein run along the base of the tail. Apply firm pressure at the tail base to stop bleeding.
In extensive bleeding, some form of a tourniquet or pressure bandage will need to be applied. Use a belt, string or rope for a tourniquet or if you have help, have the other person continue to apply pressure while you are transporting your pet.
Wrap Any Internal Organs:
Try to push any organs back in. By applying firm pressure, place the organs through the hole in the belly. If you can’t get them to go in, then leave them wrapped in a moist towel. Next wrap the belly and the wrapped organs with another towel. Do not over tighten. Just make it tight enough to hold everything in place.
Check For Shock:
This is a life-threatening condition. A pet in shock will act weak or sleepy. The most common signs are pale gums, fast heart rate, a weak pulse, and heavy breathing. Your pet may appear drowsy, weak, may not be able to stand. Severe shock can result in death in as little as 15 minutes. Wrap your pet in a towel or blanket to keep them warm.
Stabilize Fractures:
If your large dog has a broken leg and is not able to walk to your car, it may not be possible to transport your pet right away. Splinting the leg will help control pain and help to manage shock. For all smaller pets, just wrap them in a blanket or towel and proceed to our office.
Wound Care:
If you can hear a “sucking” noise from a chest wound, you know that hole goes into the lungs. Cover the wound with your hands and wrap the chest with a towel. This will seal the wound and prevent further air from entering the lung cavity. This may give your pet the extra time it needs to receive emergency treatment.
If your pet has only scrapes and bruises, you are lucky. These wounds are generally not life threatening if treated properly and infection is prevented. But if a serious injury occurs, call our office immediately so we can make preparations…
Pick up the phone and call 972-772-7777
and schedule your appointment today!
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