Dog symptom guide
My Dog Was Hit by a Car — What Do I Do Right Now?
Go to the ER immediately, even if your dog seems okay. Internal injuries may not be visible. Keep your dog still and warm during transport.
Emergency now
Get a personalized assessment → Free Dog Triage ToolWhat this symptom can mean
Being hit by a car is always an emergency scenario in dogs, even when your dog can stand or walk afterward. Internal bleeding, chest trauma, lung injury, and shock can progress quickly and may not be obvious in the first minutes. What looks like a 'lucky escape' can change rapidly without warning.
Your goal is rapid, calm transport and minimal movement. Keep your dog warm, avoid unnecessary handling, and head to emergency veterinary care immediately. Triage can support urgency decisions, but trauma from vehicle impact should be treated as ER-level by default.
Use this page as a fast decision guide, not a diagnosis. A symptom can look mild early and become urgent later, especially overnight. The safest approach is to combine your dog's symptom details with behavior, breathing, hydration, and gum color. If multiple warning signs appear together, urgency rises quickly.
If you are unsure, choose the safer option and run triage now. The goal is to avoid missing emergencies while also reducing unnecessary panic trips. Taking two minutes to assess timing, progression, and red flags gives your veterinary team better information and helps you act with confidence.
Common causes
- • Blunt-force trauma to chest, abdomen, spine, and limbs
- • Internal bleeding without visible external wounds
- • Fractures, soft tissue injury, and pain shock
- • Lung bruising or breathing compromise
When it IS an emergency
- • Any loss of consciousness, breathing difficulty, or collapse
- • Pale gums, weakness, or inability to rise
- • Visible fractures, bleeding, or severe pain
When it may be okay to wait briefly
- • Vehicle-impact trauma should not be managed as wait-and-see
- • Even if stable, immediate veterinary assessment is recommended
What you can do at home while monitoring
- • Move your dog carefully onto a stable surface for transport
- • Keep your dog warm and as still as possible
- • Do not offer food/medications during emergency transport
- • Go directly to ER and call ahead if possible
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FAQ
My dog seems normal now. Do I still need ER?
Yes. Internal injuries can be delayed and life-threatening despite a normal early appearance.
Should I wait for my regular vet to open?
No. Trauma after a car strike should be evaluated in emergency care immediately.
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Take the free 2-minute quiz →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you believe your dog is in immediate danger, contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.