Yes. Any dog that has been hit by a car — or had a bad fall or other major trauma — needs to be seen by an emergency vet right away, **even if it gets up and seems okay.** Serious injuries like internal bleeding, a punctured lung, a ruptured bladder, or organ damage can be hidden at first and become life-threatening over the following hours. Shock can also set in. Move your dog carefully, keep them warm and calm, and go to the nearest 24/7 emergency vet.
## Why "seems fine" isn't enough Adrenaline can mask pain and injury right after an accident, so a dog may walk around looking normal while bleeding internally or with a damaged organ. Some of the most dangerous injuries — chest and abdominal trauma — show few outside signs until the dog crashes. That's why every road-accident dog gets checked, not just the obviously injured ones.
## How to move an injured dog safely 1. Approach calmly — even a gentle dog in pain may bite. If needed and it doesn't restrict breathing, a makeshift muzzle (a soft tie) can help, but never on a dog struggling to breathe or vomiting. 2. Support the body as one unit — slide them onto a firm flat surface (a board, blanket stretcher, or rigid item) to avoid twisting a possible spinal or bone injury. 3. Cover any bleeding with a clean cloth and firm pressure. 4. Keep them warm with a blanket (shock lowers body temperature) and minimise movement. 5. Go straight to the vet, and call ahead so the team can prepare.
Don't give food, water, or any medication.
## What the vet will look for Internal bleeding, chest injuries, fractures, bladder or organ damage, head injury, and shock. Early assessment — often including imaging and monitoring — catches problems before they become fatal.
Get to a vet immediately if you see any of these
- Any road accident, fall from height, or major trauma — even if your dog seems fine
- Difficulty breathing or fast, shallow breathing
- Pale gums, weakness, or collapse
- A swollen or painful belly, or inability to pass urine
- Obvious wounds, a deformed limb, or heavy bleeding
Common questions
My dog was hit by a car but got up and is walking normally — do we still need to go?
Yes, absolutely. Adrenaline can hide serious internal injuries and shock that develop over the next hours. Every dog involved in a road accident should be examined by an emergency vet, even if it appears unhurt.
How should I lift a dog that may be badly injured?
Support the body as one unit on a firm flat surface (a board or rigid stretcher) rather than scooping it up, to avoid moving a possible spinal or bone injury. Approach calmly, as pain can make even a gentle dog bite.
Should I give my injured dog water or a painkiller?
No. Don't give food, water, or any medication before the vet — some human painkillers are toxic, and food/water can complicate treatment. Focus on safe transport and get to the vet.
Sources
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice, and cannot diagnose your pet. It does not replace an examination by a licensed veterinarian. When in doubt, treat it as an emergency and contact a vet or your nearest 24/7 emergency clinic right away.
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