My Dog Hit By Car
This is an emergency, even if your dog seems alert or able to walk. Car accidents can cause hidden internal bleeding, chest injuries, fractures, shock, or head trauma, and this guide explains what to do right now while you get veterinary help.
This is a veterinary emergency.
Move your dog out of danger if you can do so safely, keep them as still and calm as possible, and go to an emergency veterinarian immediately—even if injuries do not look severe.
Talk to a vet now →When to call a vet
Go to the ER now
- ● Go to the nearest emergency vet immediately if your dog was hit by a moving vehicle, even if they stand up or try to walk away.
- ● Treat it as an immediate emergency if your dog has trouble breathing, pale or white gums, weakness, collapse, loss of consciousness, seizures, severe bleeding, or cannot stand.
- ● Go now if you suspect broken bones, spinal injury, abdominal pain, a swollen belly, eye injury, head trauma, or your dog cries out when touched.
- ● Call ahead while you are on the way so the veterinary team can prepare for trauma triage.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● If your dog seems stable but is limping, painful, shaken, hiding, breathing faster than normal, or not acting like themselves, they still need same-day veterinary evaluation.
- ● Even minor-looking road trauma can lead to chest bruising, internal bleeding, or worsening shock over the next several hours.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● Do not monitor at home without veterinary guidance after a car accident. Hidden injuries are common.
What Happened & Why It's Dangerous
Internal bleeding can be hidden
Blunt trauma from a car can cause bleeding in the chest or abdomen, including injury to organs like the liver or spleen, and you may not see any blood externally.
Breathing injuries are common
Being hit by a car can injure the chest and lungs, making breathing difficult right away or a little later as swelling and bruising develop.
Bones, spine, and nerves may be injured
Dogs can suffer fractures, pelvic injuries, spinal trauma, or nerve damage, and moving them roughly can make these injuries worse.
Shock can happen fast
Pain, blood loss, and trauma can lead to shock. Warning signs include pale gums, weakness, rapid breathing, fast pulse, collapse, or being unusually quiet.
What to Do Right Now
1. Get your dog away from traffic carefully — Protect yourself first. Injured dogs may bite from pain or fear, even if they are normally gentle.
2. Keep your dog as still as possible — Limit movement in case there are fractures, spinal injuries, or internal injuries. For large dogs, use a board, blanket, or other firm support as a stretcher if available.
3. Control obvious bleeding with gentle pressure — Use a clean towel or cloth and apply direct pressure to external bleeding while you prepare to leave. Do not remove objects stuck in the wound.
4. Go to an emergency vet now — Call the clinic on the way. Keep your dog warm, quiet, and confined during transport. Do not give food, water, or medications unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to.
- 1. Get your dog away from traffic carefully
- 2. Keep your dog as still as possible
- 3. Control obvious bleeding with gentle pressure
- 4. Go to an emergency vet now
Common questions
Does my dog need a vet if they seem okay after being hit by a car?
What symptoms can happen after a dog is hit by a car?
How do vets treat dogs hit by cars?
Can I move my dog myself after a car accident?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.