Key Points
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If you hit a dog by accident with your vehicle, contact the authorities, such as animal control or the police.
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Accidentally hitting a dog is an emotional experience that may require therapy or counseling.
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After an accident, your dog's recovery is a top priority to ensure they fully recover.
Accidents are inevitable on the road. Knowing how to handle the situation is important if you hit a dog by accident. Even though your emotions are high, stay calm and take the necessary actions to help the injured canine.
When you hit a dog by accident, many scenarios may occur. You must follow specific laws and procedures to act accordingly in these situations. No matter how scary the situation is, keeping a level head and a clear mind is the best way to save a pup's life.
Most Common Reasons for Hitting a Dog
It's not every day you see a dog on the side of the road alone. The possibility of encountering a dog on the street while driving is a rare occurrence but a possibility to prepare for. You may know what to do when you see a deer, bear, moose, or other wild animal on the road, but do you know how to react when you see a dog?
A dog is no different from any other wild animal. The key is to be aware of the dog's presence immediately. Texting and driving, eating, drunk driving, and rummaging through your car cubbies are common reasons for dog accidents. These acts prevent your eyes from being on the road, and you don't have enough time if a dog decides to walk out in front of your vehicle.
Just like any other animal you encounter on the road, don't try to swerve too far into another lane or off the side of the road. To hit a dog by accident is a sad and scary experience. However, if you swerve too far out of your lane to avoid the dog, your car damages other cars on the road and potentially injures other people.
Always keep your eyes on the road so you have enough time to use your breaks and prevent yourself from hitting the canine or causing the accident to be fatal. Dogs are unpredictable creatures. Canines are fast and don't understand the severity of running out into traffic, so even if you prepare yourself and focus on the road, accidents are still a possibility.
What Happens if You Hit a Dog and They Run Away?
Most car-related canine accidents cause injuries. That's why it's crucial to stay alert and do everything in your power to keep the dog safe and secure after an accident. A dog's injuries sometimes allow them to walk or run off after the collision. Dogs also experience surges of adrenaline in stressful situations. Just because a pup walks off after you hit them doesn't mean they are healthy or without injuries.
Pull your car over wherever it's safe and get out to look for the dog. With these injuries, a dog can't get very far. Even if their body allows them to run, they can't push their bodies too much. Always be cautious when approaching a dog you don't know, especially one that is scared or stressed. You never quite know what a dog's reaction might be, and many dogs lash out to protect themselves in the event of an injury.
Be compassionate, patient, and show the dog that you're their friend. Call animal control while you check in on the pup and inform them about the accident. Animal control typically takes the dog to receive proper care after the accident and alert their owners of the situation.
If you can't get a dog to stop or come near you, follow them with your car until you see them slow down. If you have any treats, this entices the dog to come near you. Don't try to pick up the dog or move them too much if their injuries seem extensive. Moving them too much may cause the injuries to become worse off than they already are.
Stay with the pup until animal control or another first responder arrives. The dog's scared, stressed, and in pain; they need someone there with them, even if it's just to keep them company.
While you wait, see if there's a dog collar and a name tag. If so, call their owners and let them know about the situation. Before you call, collect yourself and try to remain calm. Put yourself in their shoes. How scary is receiving a call about your pup being hit by a car? Try to keep your emotions under control so the owners understand the full details of the situation to ensure their dog is okay.
What Happens if You Hit a Dog and They Die?
Dog-related car accidents have a very high chance of being fatal. Pull over to a safe spot on the side of the road and get out to check on the dog as soon as the accident occurs. Check the dog's pulse, listen for breathing, and wait with them to see if they regain consciousness.
You can't be sure if a dog is no longer with you. That's why it's essential to call animal control to take the dog to an emergency vet. In this situation, call the police and tell them your side of the story. Most states require drivers to alert the authorities so the owners have an official statement and understand the situation. If you have an official police report, this also keeps your story on record, which may be necessary if the owners suspect negligence.
You don't want to move a dog with extensive injuries. Even if you suspect the dog is no longer with you, there's still a tiny chance for revival. If the dog's placement on the street subjects them to further danger, this is one of the only reasons to move them. Use a blanket or shirt if available, wrap them in it, and move them to the side of the road and away from danger.
Check to see if the dog has a collar and tag. You don't have to be the one who contacts the owners when the dog passes. After you contact animal control or the police, they alert the family for you. Decide what you're comfortable with and do what's right in your heart. Sometimes, the other party should hear directly from you. Don't push yourself to do it if you aren't in the right mind or feel too emotional to handle the call.
Ensure you tell the authorities every detail about the situation and let them take matters into their own hands.
Is It Illegal To Hit a Dog and Drive Off?
Dogs are a man's best friend, and because of that, there are laws in place to ensure their safety.
Don't drive off if you hit a dog by accident. Not only does that reduce the chances of the dog's survival, but it's against the law. Most states advise against driving off after an accident, whether it be a human or a dog. Suppose you hit a dog and drive off. In that case, legal repercussions may prevent you from driving for an extended period and cause you to be responsible for paying for the damages or receive a charge for animal cruelty.
Stay at the scene, and contact the necessary authorities. Give the dog a fighting chance at survival no matter what repercussions you face. Chances are, it's just an accident. Accidents happen, and even though the situation is painful, the authorities and dog owners understand. Don't let your fear of the dog owner's reactions prevent you from doing what's right.
Take Responsibility for Your Actions
Take responsibility for the situation and own up to your fault. Accidents are scary, but taking ownership of the situation and realizing that you are not the victim here is essential. The dog and the owners are the victim and need you to be there for them to the best of your ability. If you have any help or guidance to offer the dog owners, make sure they are aware.
Being honest may be challenging, especially when pain, death, or fear is present. However, with honesty and integrity, you hold yourself to a higher standard. Walk away from this situation and know you did everything possible to make things right.
Check With Your Insurance
Does your car insurance cover pet accidents? See if yours does to avoid paying out of pocket for any damages. Comprehensive coverage may cover accidents that involve dogs or cats and even damage to your vehicle.
This is another reason to contact the authorities if you accidentally hit a dog. The authorities take your personal information, such as your insurance and contact number, and provide it to the dog's owner. That way, they work with your insurance company without directly coming to you to pay for damages.
Of course, if your insurance doesn't cover pet accidents, set up an agreement with the owner since you are the person at fault.
Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself
No one wants to hit a dog by accident, and it's normal for you to feel a sense of shame or regret.
Remember, accidents happen.
Accidents aren't always as simple as spilling a drink or forgetting your lunch at home. Significant accidents are complex and challenging to accept. The key is to remember that you did everything in your power to control the situation. If the dog passes, you likely have many emotions and need time to process them. Do everything to support the dog owner and put your best foot forward for them. Own up to your part in the situation and give the support they need if the owner allows it.
Seek Professional Help
Don't be afraid to seek professional assistance if the dog you hit passes. At first, the reality of the situation may not set in or feel real. Those feelings come pouring in, and you're left to unravel the emotions and memories of the accident. Don't put off speaking to a professional if you think it may benefit you.
Most people do not understand the emotions that come with these fatal accidents unless they experience one firsthand. The emotions that arise are complex, and you may find it challenging to navigate through them alone. A professional counselor or therapist walks you through the experience, helps you process the emotions, and clarifies the situation.
If you find the emotions challenging to manage, a professional provides coping mechanisms to encourage forward movement. Find forgiveness for yourself and acceptance of the situation. A skillful professional teaches you how to let go of the past and begin living in the present, seeing the situation for what it is and how to move forward from here.
You may think, "Why am I so upset over a dog?" Pets are like family members; just because they aren't human doesn't mean they don't share a special place in your heart.
Hitting Your Own Dog by Accident
If you let your dog roam freely in the yard or live out in the country, there's a high chance you may hit them by accident. To hit your own dog is more painful than a stranger's, and staying calm and doing what's necessary to ensure your pup is okay is essential.
Upon impact, get out of the car and check your dog's breathing. Offer them compassion and comfort to keep them calm and at ease. Don't let your dog get up alone or walk around after an accident.
The speed of your vehicle at the time of the accident determines how severe your pup's conditions are. Don't disregard the possible injuries if your dog shows no signs of pain. They may be in a state of shock and not realize their pain. Some injuries take time to show, or they may not show any symptoms at all, but this doesn't mean they aren't severe.
The American Veterinarian Medical Association teaches you how to transport your dog after an injury: "While transporting your injured pet, keep it confined in a small area to reduce the risk of additional injury. Pet carriers work well, or you can use a box or other container (but make sure your pet has enough air). For larger dogs, you can use a board, toboggan/sled, door, throw rug, blanket or something similar to act as a stretcher."
It's a good idea to take your dog to the vet if you accidentally hit them. The sooner you have the vet evaluate them, the better. If you prolong the visit, any present injuries develop further and become even more significant. Do what's best for your pup and give them the care they need.
After Care
Your dog needs a full recovery before they return to their regular routine after an accident.
Follow your vet-recommended protocols and create a comfortable, healing environment for your pup. If your dog stays at the veterinarian for a few days, pick up some of their favorite snacks while they're away. At first, your dog's appetite may not be as strong as before. This is normal for dogs in pain and healing; they need time to themselves and aren't as interested in food. Luckily, after a few days, this quickly passes, and your dog is ready to eat as usual.
If you have other dogs in the home, keep them away from your pup while they recover, even if they get along well. Expect them to lash out more than usual, especially if other animals get near them. They use this tactic for protection while they are in pain.
If possible, create a comfortable bed or space for your dog and block them off with doggy gates. A kennel is also an excellent choice for dogs that must stay away from other animals, keeping them safe, secure, and out of reach from their furry siblings.
Monitor Their Progress
Keep a close watch on your dog's progress.
Is your dog refusing to eat? Do they have changes in their stool days after the injuries? These are the types of conditions to look out for. Most of these conditions subside after a few days.
Plan to return your dog to the veterinarian if their conditions continue even with proper treatment and rest. The veterinarian gives you an idea of the time it takes for your dog to heal from their conditions and what to expect. If their condition is within the norm of what they told you to expect, ride it out longer.
Always contact your veterinarian for new conditions that develop outside of their provided guidance.
Activity
Take a slow and steady approach to your dog's return to their daily activities. Only return to activity with the recommendation from your vet. Go on shorter walks, give your dog shorter times to play outside, and break up the time spent with the other pets in the house. Your dog's injuries are still fresh, and you want to avoid re-injury when possible.
Your pup doesn't tell you when they need more time to heal, especially if they have spent the past few weeks with little to no activity.
Your vet will recommend specific exercises and tools to support your dog's healing. Follow the protocol entirely, even after your dog seems to heal. Bone, ligament, and tendon injuries require restrengthening, which takes time and practice. With proper care, your dog returns to their routine and is back to their happy-go-lucky self.
What if Someone Hits Your Dog?
You receive a call that your dog has injuries, and now all the emotions and fear flood in. Take a few deep breaths and try to relax. The most important thing for you to do is get to your pup as soon as possible. Prepare yourself on how to respond to both the person that caused the accident and the authorities on the scene.
Emotions are high, and before you react, putting yourself in the other person's shoes is important. The police or animal control tells you if it was an accident or if the driver is at fault. Cooperate and exchange contact information in case you need to have the damages paid for by them or their insurance company.
There's also a chance that the driver who hit your dog drives off. In this case, you still have options to determine who is at fault. Stop at any homes or businesses around the scene to see if they have security camera footage of the accident.
For hit and runs, there's a chance you can't find who's responsible. In these situations, put your best foot forward and give your dog the necessary treatment. Focus on your dog's health over everything else and invest your energy into their full recovery.
Regardless of the Cause
To hit a dog by accident is a painful experience, regardless of the cause or who's at fault. Use the information in this article to navigate the situation, take ownership if you're at fault, or cooperate if another party is at fault. The dog's health is a top priority, and everything else is an afterthought. Let the authorities take legal matters into their own hands and focus on what you must do to make the situation right.
These situations take time and patience to heal from, not only for the dog but also for you. Give yourself the compassion and patience you need to make it out on the other side.
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