My Dog Got Hit By A Car
79A Traumatic Experience When Your Dog Gets Hit By A Car
My dog Karma got hit by a car last night, and it was one of the most traumatic things I've ever experienced. Karma, our border collie pup, slipped out last night when my sons were visiting with their dad in the front yard- and no one noticed that anything was wrong until Karma came slinking back to the house- bruised and banged up.
My oldest sons first words were "Karma's face is gone!", which put me into a total panic. Not understanding what had just happened, I looked at her in horror and thought that part of her face was missing. Although there was blood everywhere and she was scraped up, her face WAS NOT missing, but her face did look terrible. I actually thought she had gotten bitten by another animal, because the abrasions on her face were actual holes, and they looked like bite marks.
Not only was her face mangled but she had abrasions on her feet and she was walking funny- and panting hard. We laid her down in the kitchen where my husband tried to calm her down and get a better look at her injuries. We all thought that she had gotten bitten by something- because the wounds looks like bite marks.
After a speedy trip to the emergency vet at 2 in the morning, the vet took one look at her and said it looked like she had been hit by a car. They took X-Rays and said she had 2 broken ribs and had sustained a hit to her liver. Apparently when she was hit by the car she must have tumbled and that's what caused her head injuries and the abrasions on her paws.
Karma spent the night at the vet in intensive care- she was in shock (that's why she was panting hard) and she had to have IV's, antibiotics, and careful observation throughout the night.
Karma After Getting Hit By A Car
Karma Before the Accident
$1,000 Vet Bill
After a $1,000 vet bill and a a sleepless night, we were able to pick up our baby this morning and bring her home with us ( we actually brought her to work with us, and she hasn't left our side all morning)
We have all been completely traumatized and vow to keep a closer eye on our precious fur-baby.
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What To Do If Your Dog Gets Hit By A Car
What do you do if your dog gets hit by a car?
First of all, don't panic. Your dog might be in shock and already traumatized. Try to stay as calm as possible. Your dog needs you to be calm right now. If your dog will let you, try to see what type of injuries have happened, and then call your vet and give them as much information as possible.
If your dog is bleeding profusely or injured badly try to gently pick him/her up and slide him onto a flat board, being very careful. Drive your dog to an emergency veterinary hospital ( you might be tempted to speed but keep it safe)
Don't feel bad if your dog is behaving strangely towards you. Your dog had just suffered a traumatic event, and his/her behavior may be affected.
Injuries To My Dog After Getting Hit By A Car
Symptoms of Shock in a Dog
Karma was suffering from shock after she got hit, and if not treated she could have died. Here are some of the symptoms of shock in a dog that you need to look out for:
* Pale mucous membranes (inside of the gums, mouth, eyes, etc.)
* Weakness
* Rapid pulse
* Tangible loss of heat to the extremities, particularly the ears.
In Karma's case her heart was beating very rapidly, and on the way to the vet her gums started getting very pale and she started becoming unresponsive to us.
In general - shock in a dog can be one the most deadly consequences of a serious injury.
Remember if your dog gets hit by a car to make sure you look out for the possible signs of an injury or shock - even if there are no visible injuries.
In Karma's case most of her injuries were visible but even in a mild injury a dog can be injured internally - and needs to be closely watched.
(Dorsi Diaz is a freelance writer/blogger and big-time dog lover!)
- Dog Shock
A Dog likely will in its life suffer some kind of health problem, disease or illness. You, the canine caregiver must diagnose correctly based of symptoms observed and often treal without help for a dog veterinary and run serious risks.
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Comments
The poor baby...I'm glad she will be okay...
Thank you Cheryl- I have such a sick feeling just looking at her. She's such a sweet sweet baby and poor thing- she's hurting so bad right now. She thinks she did something wrong and I have to keep assuring her I'm not mad at her. She is the most sensitive dog I've ever had- and I can never get mad at her even when she vandalizes the backyard- she's just too sweet to even get mad at. I'll give her a big hug for you, thanks!
Oh that is terrible, but luckily she will be ok. I can understand your feelings, the money doesnt matter as long as our loved ones are ok. I mean I know its hard to pay so much. But I would do it to to save our wonderful pets.
Another great article Dorsi . I have lived through many situations with our dog. And the waiting I found was so hard to find out whether they will make it or not.
Thanks for sharing
A disturbing event... bad enough when your dog faces natural debilitation. It is always hard, but I'm sure your care will help the healing.
Hi Dorsi
I am so sorry that your dog was hurt but I am so glad she is doing better. It is amazing that you are able to write such a thorough and thoughtful article while taking care of Karma and family.
I do hope your dog recovers and I'm sure she will. In hindsight, one of the most traumatizing events in my young life involved hitting a dog on the way to work at 5:00 am. It was dark, the road was curvy, and there was an oncoming car with its brights on in the oncoming lane. To avoid being blinded, I looked to the right of the road and then felt this large thud and whelp. I knew what had happened but was unable to think straight to go back and look. It truly was a sickening feeling.
When I finally got the nerve to go back and help the dog, I was already late for work so I called my dad (at 5:00 am) and he went looking. He knew right where to go but never found the poor animal. Needless to say, I felt terrible for a long while and always cringe when I see dogs, cats, deer, etc. dead on the road. I'm so glad your little dog is fine.
I don't think the dog I hit survived since the headlight where it hit was shattered and I had minor wheel well damage. It was a big dog but I never really saw it. Your story reminds us all of the fragility of all life.
I'm so sorry that Karma has to endure this pain, but heartened that she'll be all right. Thank you for sharing this.
Jim Henry
Oh ...I am so sorry ...what an awful happening. I lost my pet about two years ago this summer and I will never forget her. Yes, they are one of your best friends. Thank you so much for sharing all you did in your time of sadness. You made good choices when Karma needed you.
Just to add a light story to this ...I got my Cody for free and I always laughed at the fact that I was always buying her back from the Vet. She was a very sick dog and always got sick on the weekend when I needed to pay for emergency care ...that always demanded at least $300 deposit ...then usually around 6 to 700 dollars at pick up. But to tell you the truth, I would do it all again. There is no price you can put on them ..they are priceless. I miss her!
My best to you and your Karma ...may Karma grow healther daily ...my prayers!
Get well soon Karma!
Poor thing- lucky for her she has good people looking after her!
Thanks for sharing with us. Karma is a beauiful dog (even after the accident). Get well soon karma
I hope Karma (a beautiful dog with a beautiful name) can feel all our love for her and recover completely from this terrible event. Thank you for sharing this with us and for being such a good "mother" to Karma ;)
OMG! This is so awful! I am so grateful that she is o.k. I know it was traumatic for all of you. Guess it was a crazy day as hubby and I were in an auto accident yesterday as well. We are o.k. but I have sore spots today that I never knew existed! I am sure Karma will as well. It sounds like she is in great care, though! Hope all of you are better soon!
Bonnie
I am so happy to hear that Karma is going to be ok. I can only imagine what you went through as our dog is one of our kids and I am sure that you feel the same way. Bless you both.
Thanks everybody for the kind comments and well wishes. Writing about Karmas ordeal yesterday was therapeutic for me- all day I was feeling shook up. She's looking really good today- sore but walking and moving around well. She is laying on my bed with me. Last night she was out like a light, with my robe covering her...lol...I'm so glad she's recovering OK. I really thought we were going to lose her on the way to the vet that night.
How awful, poor dog. Very good advice in case anyone encounters the same situation. By the way, that was an amazing bill for the vet, was that before or after insurance cover? In France you can take insurance cover for your pets, which would cover a "hit and run away" event as well as thrid party insurance.
A get well wish for Karma :)
Oh Dorsi, I'm so glad the story had a happy ending. I've been afraid to come and read this, just in case.
Your advice may come in very handy for someone. They read it now and it will spring to their mind when they need it most.
Great article, glad Karma is bouncing back.
Thank you for sharing this. I'm so glad Karma is recovering! She's very fortunate to have such a loving family. Too many people would balk at a $1000 vet bill.
Dorsi, I noticed that too.
Bonnie: I'm sorry to hear about your accident. I'm so glad you are both OK. Yes, it must have been a bad car day, for sure!
Hugs, I hope your dog recovers well :) Sheri
Oh Dorsi-- how tough for you and your family as well as Karma. Glad to hear that she is on the mend and all of you are doing well. Thanks for sharing with us and I love the pix of Karma--what a sweetie:-)
Aww Dorsi I feel so bad for you. I know exactly how you feel. When I was 10 my Samoyed husky was run over and killed by a car right in front of me. And more recently my cat got out of the house and came back after several days with an injury that required an amputation. They're just like our babies aren't they?
xoxoCyne
So glad to hear Karma is on the mend. I had a baby named Lucky that I had to rush to the vet after 3 pits attacked him. I know the shaky, scared feeling of losing a pet (family member) by trauma. He pulled through and lasted another 10 years before another desert creature got him. He was just too friendly and thought all animals were playmates.
Best wishes for Karma and give her a hug for me!
MJ
Emergency vet services are very expensive, but worth every penny. The ER's job is to take the critical to the manageable. I hope that everyone reading your hub has the number of an ER vet stuck on their refrigerator with a magnet.
Princessa, most in the US do not purchase animal health insurance. That industry has a long way to go in terms of credibility and affordability. Are you saying that France discounts or provides animal health insurance as a part of the taxes you pay? If, so, I've found yet another reason to move there!
Dorsi, I am so happy for your puppy and your family. A good dog is worth it all, yes? And your doggie's name isn't Karma for no good reason. Thank you very much for describing the symptoms of shock. Those are not something we are trained to look for.
Warmest regards, ST.
Oh my gosh!! The poor dog. She is such a trouper. I am so glad to hear that Karma will get better. My heart goes out to you Dorsi! Steph
Hey I love your Dog! I am glad that nothing wrong happened. I lost my dog and I cried and cried. Thanks for your excellent Hub that talks about what you do when your dog meets with an accident. My Dog's case was different and she died due to her old age. Our Pets indeed are our best friends no doubt about it.
So sorry to hear that your dog got hurt - hope she recovers quickly
My poor Pitbull Harley was attacked by a neighborhood bully....a Bloodhound. He wasn't hurt but he was scared to go outside for a few days. He had been raised with Labs and thus he was always a playful calm dog. When the Bloodhound attacked him he grounded him and started going for his neck. Thankfully one of my other dogs, a mountain cur jumped in and saved the day. I don't know what causes dogs to scale a fence just to harass another dog. Likewise I don't understand why people would purposely hit an animal. It's one thing to accidentally do it but I've seen people swerve to intentionally hit an animal. I hope this didn't happen to Karma...or else her name will ring true on the perpetrator.
Im sooo sorry and heart broken to hear this sad news about Karma! She looks soo beautiful and kind! My heart goes out to you and i wish Karma a full speedy recovery..
I hope this bad incident will have some good with this first hand information for other dog carers whomay unfortunetly be in this same position as you!
Please give Karma a gentle rub for me pleeaasee:)
Aw, man. What a beautiful dog! I'm happy to hear Karma is recovering. As a side comment to mindaink's comment, my Aunt's dog was *shot* with a air powered pellet rifle. In humans, this would hurt like a ... well, you know... in dogs it can be deadly. It nipped some of her intestine and there was internal bleeding. She's recovered, now, but the vet costs were astronomical & it was very touch and go. People need to show more empathy for animals. I'm happy Karma has such wonderful caring "parents" to take care of her.
Lucky Karma, good job Mom! Cars and pets, makes me upset to think about how many unfortunate animals I have seen after the tires roll! C.S.
I'm so sorry to hear about your doggie. So sweet! I've suffered through this as well. Unfortunately, as a child we lived in Ireland and when our dog was hit by a car, we had bad luck with the local vet. The vet wouldn't treat him. We had to take him to a friend's farmhouse who helped put him down with a shotgun. I know...sounds barbaric. Thankfully, this country has better treatment for dogs and pets in general. I'll never forget beautiful George.
I'm just glad she's OK. It could have been so much worse.
My heart goes out to you. Thank God, she's fine. My dog is a big part of our family and the thought of losing her....
Such a sad story, but I am happy she managed to come home to tell you so that you could do what was right for her. Your article is excellent, Dorsi, it is well written and informative, and no doubt it will help many animal lovers. A job very well done by all accounts. I'll send my thoughts and prayers toward Karma.
I am so sorry that Karma had to go through all this, but thank goodness she has come out on top! Take good care of her, she is a doll! (as they all are!)
I'm very glad to hear that Karma is recovering from such traumatic injuries. It's very sad when a pet gets hit by a car. But your description of the symptoms of shock and what to do when a dog gets hit by a car may help save the life of someone else's dog some day. Karma is lucky to have such a loving family.
Great hub, I'm so glad that she's Ok.
I'm glad that Karma is OK and will pull through this. She has such an expressive and human like face. Border collies are real sweetheart dogs.
I had an incident several years ago where one of my favorite tuxedo cats, Bonomo, disappeared. I had never been able to find him after days of searching and posting signs. That is the worst thing when you don't know what happened.
Dorsi, I also agree with you about being careful driving. We have tons of wildlife where I live. I've angered passengers in my car several times for coming to a screeching halt when even a squirrel crosses the street.
Get WELL KARNA!!
me and my wife (lindsie) were not so lucky. we live in a gated community in lake cali. i went for a bike ride and LINDSIE WAS PAINTING OUR NEW HOUSE. SO A GIRL HIT THE DOG 3 HOUSES DOWN AND SHE SEEMED FINE JUST IN SHOCK. SCRAPES ABOVE HER EYES AND EAR. 95MPH TO THE VET! SHE SAID SHE WAS FINE GAVES HERE SOME MEDS FOR THE PAIN AND WE WENT HOME. SHE WAS SORE BUT SHE SEEMED FINE AND WENT TO HER BED AND SLEP FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. SHE GOT UP I LAID ON THE FLOOR FORHER AND SHE CURLD UP NEXT TO ME. THEN... SHE STARTED TO , LIKE CURL AROUND TO BIT HER BUM BUT SHE WAS GOING IN CIRCLE AND NOT ACOMPLISHIG ANYTHING. WE THOUGHT SHE WAS COMING OFF HERE MEDS. WE DIDNT THINK ANTHING OF IT SO WE WENT TO BE ABOUT 10 OCLOK. I HAD TO WAKE AT 4AM AND MY WIFE THEN SHE WOKE UP OLLIE AND SHE WAS FOAMING AT THE MOUTH SEIZING AND BREATHING HARD.95 TO THE VET! (SHE GOT HIT AT 6PM) SO AT 3AM BACK TO THE VET AND NOW OLLIE HAS TO FIGHT FOR HER LIFE. BLEEDING AND SWEELING IN THE BRAIN!!!!!!! WTF. THEY GAVE HER MORE MEDS HOPING... WELL, AT 7PM MY WIFE GOT THE CALL. SO SHE HAD HER PUT DOWN. LINDSIE IS DEVESTATED. IM PISSED! SHOULDNT THE DAM DOC LOOKED AT HER HEAD!I DONT GET IT. WHY WOULDNT SHE LOOK AT THE HEAD. SHE GOT HIT!!!!!!!!!!! $700 LATER NO DOG AND SADNESS. WE WILL MISS HER SO MUCH!
Dorsi;
I know how you feel when it comes to your "baby". I'm glad that she wasn't seriously hurt and that she is doing better. We have a 11 mo. old min pin and our friends say that she must have some form of cat in her and she has used up 2 of her nine lives.
About a month ago, she got into a toxin posion in which she almost died from. She had to spend the night at the emergency vet hospital. So we know all about a sleepless night-waiting to here the phone ring with bad news.
Luckily she came out of it and we later did find what happen. It's a long story and you can read it on Leah's Hub page.
Then exactly two weeks after that, she got lost in the woods with a little dress one, leash and gentle lead....She was gone for 12 hours and we (or rather I) thought for sure she was dead, because she got hung up somewhere in the woods. Long story short, my husband refuse to give up and heard this small little whimper much later that night. She was all tangled in brush and could not move. Other than being hungry and thirsty, she was fine and very grateful to be back in her mommy's arms again.
Since that incident we have broken down and bought the shock collar, and been training her on the "come command" and "sit-stay". It's working so far....By the way-the gentle lead went in the trash...
Hope to hear more on your "babies"...
Sharon, Brian & Leah Kay
My dog Jasper was just hit by a car two days ago. He did not make it, and there were no visiable signs of injuries. Jasper was nine and a lab mix. Is this possible or could he have had a heartattack. We will miss our guy very much. Thanks for all your stories.
Jen
i no this is of topic but i saw my 1 year old dog get hit by a car last night i cant shake the memory of me screaming her name and that was it she didnt make it thorugh the accident :(
To jr and jennifer- I am so sorry about your fur-babies, I can't imagine how you feel. I was fortunate Karma lived, and losing a pet is like losing a part of your family.
To everyone that stopped by and commented, thanks so much for coming by and taking the time to read my hub on Karma.
Hi Dorsi
Just sending you and Karma blessings and best wishes
Jan
That is so sad. Ironic that the dog's name is Karma. When I was a kid my dog got hit twice by a car. The dog was an iron rock though. Actually dented the second car. The last thing I would ever want to do is accidentally hit a dog named Karma. That is just scary..
3 Days ago I let my dogs out and they went after a cat. I called them back and my Border Collie Lilly came running back. It happened! she got hit, most tramatic event of my life. I couldnt do anything. I just screamed not my baby thats all that could come out. Like you said losing karma would of been like losing your best friend, I lost mine. She died immediatly. Pet Karma for me because she is a lucky girl.
Jan: Thank-you
Sample CD's- thanks for coming by and you are right, I wouldn't want to hit and run a dog named Karma either. I hadn't thought about it that way!
Leah: I am so so sorry for the loss of your best friend. That is so traumatic, and words cannot say enough except that I am very very sorry. You furbaby had a wonderful mother and you did the best you can. Sometimes things are out of our hands... My dogs chase cats too even though we have 4 of them in the household - but given the chance they chase other neighborhood cats too. This could have happened to me also, in fact, I would bet Karma was probably chasing something the night she got hit.
I am sorry.
my dog got hit by a car 2/6/09 i was hurt and we love him he is a family dog and a old lady hit him i want to kill her
I'm sorry Ashley. Yes it hurts like heck when you lose a furbaby.
That is broken my heart ;Im so sad about your dog and If Iwere you Ikill who did that its a big murder for your best friend......
Do you know if you can sue for the vet bills if you know who hit your dog? My dog was hit, and they stopped, then took off. I know who they are.
He was hit last friday, we took him to the hospital, and they kept him for the last 5 days. He had no broken bones but his diaphram was torn and his stomach, intestines, and spleen was wrapped up around in his heart in his chest cavity, they did surgery yesterday to fix him up. He looks so sad with that big incision running down his chest and stomach. And he lost a lot of weight because he didn't eat until today (5 days later) :(
Hope KARMA is ok now and you and your family are well.
we are going through a traumatic time our little man sammy an 8 month (cross) jackrussel/carin got hit by a car monday ,sammy as been at the vets since, sammy as got 4 broken bones in his pelvis
when his bowels are in full working order the vets have said he could come home,we are doing research on helping sammy with supporting his back legs etc while sammys bones knit together
Dorsi we are missing our sammy so much its hard to breath at times but its helped me a little by writing to you and telling you our problem sammy is such a wonderfull family dog and has brought so much joy to all of us he just has to get better
and i have to say the young ladys car that hit sammy was very upset and it was an accident.
sylvia & john
im sylvia and john gran child and im very sad about sammy but i hope he recovers soon xx
my dog got hit by a car a hour ago right infront of me, he didn't make it. rip cuddles.
Glad she is doing well but vet's bills are terrifying, aren't they. She is very beautiful. Thanks for the advice re shock etc.
Our Labrador Retriever, Joey, also (recently) got hit by a car. We and our dogs are the lucky ones; others (like dj watters' dog and like Jaspar and have not been so lucky. Dogs cannot tell us how they are feeling or what they need, so it's important for us to try to understand how they "think" and feel, and what they need, and to remain calm and pleasant at all times. Your dog is not interested in how he/she looks; he's a dog. If you are sad, your dog will be sad. Give your dog lots of love and attention, and appreciate how lucky you both are, and express that to him/her!
My dog was hit by a car this morning. My dad tried to bring it to the vet hospital, but it was closed. He had his last breath in my dad's arms. His name was Rocko. He just sat at a safe distance and watched the rest of the family play, but it didn't seem to be his thing. When he wanted to, he came to join us and nibble at our toes. He instigated fights with our bigger dog, and never backed down from a fight. Despite his size, he had alot of heart, and alot of fight in him. Now he's gone.
I'm so sorry Joshua and everyone else that has lost their beloved friend. Every day I am thankful that Karma was not taken from me. I am very sorry and my deepest condolences.
It is so scary when a pet is hit by a car. I had that experience once and let me just say it was frightening. You gave some good tips on shock. Thanks.
My beloved Brandi girl (chocolate lab) was hit by a pick-up truck Tuesday morning at 6am. She NEVER goes on the road...we are driving ourselves crazy trying to figure out why! It's been 3 days and I cry every day. We took her to the hospital where they tried to fix. She was in shock, but they had to do the surgery to stop the bleeding. At 12:45 I hung up the phone where I was told she was progressing. We were given new hope that our baby of 10 years would pull through. 15 minutes later we received a call that her heart had stopped. WHY??!! We are all completely devastated. She was the sweetest, gentlest dog in the world. I miss her so much!!
Your fur baby is beautiful! I am so glad she's alright! I have to watch my Minature Pinchers alot as well. The girl (DEDE) wants to get out of the fence all the time! Blessings!!
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CherylTheWriter says:
17 months ago
Excellent advice, well and clearly presented. Emergency medicine for any animal is traumatic, terrifying, and expensive. My heart goes out to you, Dorsi, and I am so glad Karma will recover to slime your face (as my husband phrases it) many, many more times to come. Stroke her gently for me, will you?