Understanding Dog Injuries in Car Accidents
Dogs can suffer a wide range of injuries in a car accident, from relatively minor to extremely severe and life-threatening. Some of the most common car accident injuries seen in dogs include:
Broken bones – Fractures to legs, hips, spine, skull, ribs, etc. Broken bones are very painful and require stabilization and surgical repair in many cases.
Organ damage – Blunt force trauma can rupture organs like the spleen, liver, kidneys, bladder, etc. This causes severe internal bleeding and requires emergency surgery.
Spinal cord injury – The spinal cord is vulnerable to laceration, disc rupture, luxation, and fracture. This can cause partial or total paralysis.
Traumatic brain injury – The brain can experience concussion, hemorrhage, swelling, and damage to nerves. This often results in disorientation, loss of consciousness, seizures, etc.
Road rash – If ejected from the vehicle, the impact and skidding on road surfaces causes severe abrasions.
These injuries occur because the high forces involved in a crash throw unrestrained dogs around within the vehicle. They can be projected at high speed into car parts like the windshield, side windows, seats, walls, and roof. The abrupt deceleration also creates intense internal organ shifting and crushing forces. While some minor accidents may lead to just cuts and bruises, major collisions can create extensive life-threatening trauma in dogs.
First Aid for an Injured Dog
If your dog has been injured in a car accident, the first priority is to restrain them safely and provide immediate first aid. An injured dog may be in a panic, making it unsafe for both you and them to approach without caution.
Start by calling your dog’s name in a calm, reassuring voice. Approach slowly with your hands out in front. If they attempt to flee or bite, you may need to muzzle them for safety using a leash, towel or piece of fabric wrapped securely around their snout. This will allow you to safely restrain them to assess injuries.
Check their airway to ensure nothing is blocking their ability to breathe. Listen and feel for breathing sounds and movement coming from their chest. If needed, open their mouth to remove any obstructions.
Feel for a pulse and check for signs of circulation like the color of their gums. If there is no breathing or heartbeat, immediately begin CPR if you are trained. Otherwise, continue to next steps.
Apply direct pressure on any heavily bleeding wounds using a clean cloth or piece of clothing. Elevate injured limbs above the heart if possible. Secure dressings in place with gauze, bandages or a makeshift wrap. This will help control blood loss before you can get to a veterinarian.
Once your dog is restrained and you’ve addressed any immediate threats to life, quickly check for other injuries like broken bones, wounds, head trauma or abdominal pain. Do not try to splint or treat these yourself.
Getting Veterinary Care
If your dog has been injured in a car accident, it is crucial to get them to a veterinarian or emergency animal clinic as soon as possible. Here are some tips for safely getting them the medical care they need:
Call ahead: Before moving your dog, call your regular veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic so they know you are on your way. Describe the injuries and condition of your dog so the vet can be prepared. They may be able to provide guidance on safely moving your dog or meeting you to transfer them to a gurney.
Move your dog safely: Do not allow your injured dog to walk on their own. Gently use a blanket as a sling under their belly to support them. For major injuries like limb fractures, support both ends of the injured limb as you move them. Be extremely gentle and stop if your dog cries out in pain.
Drive carefully to clinic: Once your injured dog is safely situated, drive cautiously to the vet clinic. Take extra care when accelerating, braking, and turning to avoid jostling your dog and exacerbating injuries. Drive below the speed limit and avoid sudden stops or starts. The gentle, smooth ride will provide a more comfortable transport.
Getting an injured dog medical care quickly can make a huge difference in their recovery. With some preparation and care, you can safely get them to the veterinary facility so they can begin treatment and healing.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Dogs
Dogs can suffer various injuries in a car accident, ranging from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common car accident injuries in dogs include:
Fractures
Fractures are one of the most frequent injuries dogs sustain in car accidents. The sudden impact of a collision can easily break bones, especially in the legs, paws, pelvis and spine. Fractures may be open with the bone piercing the skin, or closed under the skin. All fractures require prompt veterinary treatment, which may involve casts, splints, surgery and strict rest.
Sprains and strains
The jolt of a car crash can overextend or tear muscles, tendons and ligaments. Sprains affect ligaments while strains refer to muscles and tendons. These injuries cause pain, swelling, and lameness. Mild sprains and strains may heal with rest, while more severe ones need medication, physical therapy, or potentially surgery.
Head trauma
A dog’s head can hit hard interior surfaces in an accident, resulting in concussions, fractured skulls, and brain injuries. Possible signs of head trauma include inability to walk, seizures, vomiting, abnormal pupil size and response, and bleeding from the ears or nose. Head trauma ranges from mild to severe, but prompt vet care is essential.
Chest/abdominal injuries
The impact of a collision can crush a dog’s chest and abdomen, damaging organs like the lungs, liver, kidneys and spleen. This may cause internal bleeding or difficulty breathing. Abdominal injuries can also cause dangerous bloat. These internal injuries require intensive emergency care and surgery.
Treatment Options
If your dog suffers a broken bone, dislocated joint, or ligament damage in a car accident, the vet may apply casts, splints or braces to stabilize the injury and promote healing. Fractures require 4-8 weeks in a cast to mend properly. For more serious fractures, your vet may recommend surgery to insert pins, plates or screws to hold the bone in place.
If there is damage to your dog’s organs or spine from the impact of a car accident, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove injured tissues. This can involve complicated procedures and aftercare. Your vet can advise on the best surgical options and prognosis based on the specifics of your dog’s internal injuries.
Your vet will prescribe pain medications to keep your dog comfortable during recovery. Common medications include NSAIDs like carprofen or meloxicam for minor pain and opioids like tramadol or buprenorphine for more severe injuries. Pain medication dosage will depend on your dog’s size and level of pain. Your vet will provide dosage instructions and duration for how long your dog needs medication.
Recovery Process and Care
If your dog has suffered injuries in a car accident, the recovery process can be long and difficult. Proper at-home care is essential for your dog’s healing and comfort. Here are some tips for caring for your injured dog during recovery:
Crate Rest and Restricted Activity: Your vet may recommend crate rest or restricted activity to allow your dog’s injuries to heal. This means limiting exercise, playtime, and access to stairs or furniture. You’ll need to confine your dog to a crate or small room when you’re away or unable to supervise activity. Take your dog outside on a leash for bathroom breaks only.
Physical Therapy Exercises: Your vet may prescribe gentle physical therapy exercises to improve your dog’s range of motion, flexibility, and strength. These may include passive range of motion exercises, stretching, weight shifts, balancing, and using toys for motivation. Perform exercises gently and stop if you see signs of pain or discomfort.
Wound Care and Medication at Home: You may need to clean wounds, change bandages, give medication, or assist with feeding. Follow your vet’s detailed instructions for proper home care of incisions, wounds, casts, or appliances. Give all medications as directed and watch for side effects. Keeping a care log can help you track progress.
With diligent at-home nursing care, physical therapy, and close veterinary follow-ups, your injured dog can make a full recovery. Be patient and compassionate through this difficult process. Celebrate the small wins and milestones along your dog’s road to recovery.
Preventing Car Accident Injuries
The best way to handle a dog getting injured in a car accident is to prevent it from happening in the first place. There are several steps dog owners can take to reduce the risk of injury while driving with a dog:
Restraining Dogs Properly
Dogs should always be properly restrained when riding in vehicles. Using a dog seat belt or securing a crate can prevent dogs from being thrown around and injured in the event of sudden stops or accidents. Dog seat belts attach to your car’s seat belt system and are designed to keep your dog safe and secure.
Not Having Dogs in the Front Seat
Allowing dogs to ride loose in the front seat is dangerous. Airbags deploying can seriously injure or even kill a dog. It’s best to restrain dogs in the back seat or cargo area.
Securing Crates Safely
For dogs that ride in crates, make sure the crate is securely strapped down so it doesn’t shift or fly open in an accident. Place crates in a cargo area or rear seat instead of the front. Follow manufacturer’s weight limits and sizing guidelines.
Taking preventative steps while driving with dogs reduces accident risk. Properly restraining dogs in vehicles is crucial for avoiding injuries in crashes.
Car Accident Injury Costs
Dog injuries from car accidents often involve high treatment costs. Here are some common expenses associated with caring for a dog injured in a crash:
Veterinary Exam and Diagnostics
The initial veterinary exam, including a physical evaluation and diagnostic tests like x-rays or bloodwork, may cost $100-$500 or more depending on the extent of injuries. Complex diagnostics like CT scans or MRIs can cost over $1,000.
Surgery and Hospitalization
Many serious car accident injuries in dogs require surgery, such as orthopedic procedures for broken bones. This can cost $1,000-$5,000 depending on the complexity. Overnight hospitalization may also be necessary at around $80-$120 per night.
Medications and Medical Supplies
Prescription medications, therapeutic foods, bandages, e-collars, and other supplies may be needed during recovery at an additional cost of $50-$500 or more.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
For injuries like torn ligaments or neurological damage, physical therapy is often recommended. This may involve $50-$100 sessions one to three times a week for four to twelve weeks.
In total, caring for a dog injured in a vehicular accident can easily cost $2,000-$10,000 when including all diagnostics, treatment, hospitalization, and aftercare. Pet insurance can help offset these high costs.
Seeking Compensation
When your dog is injured in a car accident that is not your fault, you may be able to seek compensation to help cover your dog’s medical expenses and other costs related to the accident. There are a couple avenues for seeking this compensation:
Filing a Claim With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance – If the other driver was at fault for the accident, their liability insurance may cover your dog’s injuries and expenses. You can file a claim with their insurance company, providing documentation of costs incurred due to the accident. Their policy may have limitations, but it’s worth exploring this option.
Filing With Your Own Auto Insurance – If you have medical payments coverage (MedPay) as part of your own auto insurance policy, you may be able to submit a claim to your insurer to help cover your dog’s medical bills and other accident-related costs. This coverage is optional, so check your policy details. Your deductible and policy limits will apply.
An experienced personal injury or animal law attorney can advise you on the strongest options for recovering accident-related costs when your dog is injured by an at-fault driver. It’s important to document expenses and communicate with relevant insurance companies promptly.
Caring for Emotional Needs
Getting into a car accident can be extremely traumatic for dogs, often leading to anxiety, depression, fear, and a lack of confidence. As a caring pet owner, it’s crucial to provide your dog emotional support and rebuild their confidence after an accident.
If your dog seems anxious, clingy, restless, or depressed after the accident, be patient and provide comfort through petting, brushing, and giving treats. Maintain a consistent daily routine and avoid overwhelming them. You may need to restrict access to stairs or furniture if their mobility is limited. Use calming aids like a Thundershirt or calming treats if recommended by your vet.
As your dog recovers physically, begin rebuilding their confidence through training. Start with basic obedience commands and easy tasks to help them trust their body again. Slowly work up to more challenging skills while praising and rewarding generously. Consider enrolling in agility or nosework classes, which can boost confidence through fun mental and physical stimulation. Be patient and understanding if your dog shows new fears like riding in cars.
With time, care, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog mentally and emotionally recover from the trauma of a car accident. Don’t hesitate to consult your vet or a certified dog behaviorist if your pet’s anxiety persists. Your dog depends on you for comfort and support.
