Alongside the joys of dog ownership, we often have to make difficult and responsible decisions, as the lives of our four-legged companions are frequently in our hands. Unfortunately, it is quite common that dogs (and cats) are brought to our clinic after having been involved in accidents. One of the most frequent—and often tragic—incidents is when an animal is hit by a car. This is especially heartbreaking when the accident is caused by the animal’s own owner, which, sadly, happens more often than one might think.
Most of these accidents could be prevented if owners took appropriate measures to ensure their pets’ safety. Let us review the most important steps dog owners can take to prevent such accidents, and what to do if the worst has already happened.
Why Dogs Do Not Belong on the Road
In many cases, accidents occur because a dog somehow gets onto the roadway and is struck by a vehicle. It is crucial to understand that roads are not designed for dogs, and the moment a dog steps onto the road, it is already in a dangerous situation. Drivers often have no chance to stop or avoid an animal that suddenly appears in front of them.
Owners tend to blame drivers and speeding vehicles, but the reality is that a dog simply has no place on the road.
It is also important to know that if a car is damaged as a result of hitting a dog, the dog’s owner is legally required to cover the damage. The situation is even more serious if a person is injured. Legal regulations clearly state that the owner is responsible for ensuring that their dog does not pose a danger to itself or to others. Therefore, guaranteeing a dog’s safety is not only a moral obligation but also a legal responsibility.
Outside the home, the safest place for a dog is beside its owner, on a leash, walking on the sidewalk. Even during a simple walk, tragedies can easily be avoided if the dog is always kept on a leash. This is important not only for the dog’s safety, but also for the safety of other pedestrians and drivers.
How Can We Protect Our Dog at Home?
At home, special attention must be paid to safety around the gate. Many people do not realize that dogs most often escape from their own garden and end up on the road—or even in front of their owner’s car, sometimes still within the yard.
Opening and closing the gate always requires extra care, especially if the dog is free in the garden. At such times, we must be extremely attentive inside the property as well.
One of the best solutions is to ensure that the dog is inside a kennel, the house, or another secure area when the gate is opened. It is worth the initial effort to train the dog to immediately go into the kennel when it hears a car approaching—and to always check that this has actually happened. This can prevent the dog from running onto the road or in front of the owner’s car when entering or leaving the property.
It is also very useful if the dog learns that it may only cross the gate with the owner’s permission. This so-called “gate rule” can be learned by the owner in a proper dog training school and then taught to the dog. In the long term, this significantly reduces the risk of accidents.
Unfortunately, we have seen tragic cases involving electric gates as well: for example, when an owner opened the gate remotely “for convenience,” and before reaching the gate, two stray dogs ran in and fatally injured the owner’s small dog.
What Should You Do If an Accident Happens?
If an accident does occur, the first and most important thing is your own safety. For this reason, the injured animal’s mouth should ALWAYS be muzzled or secured. After that, it is essential to consult a veterinarian and transport the dog to the clinic as soon as possible.
Even if the injury does not appear serious from the outside—or if there are no visible external injuries at all—internal injuries such as internal bleeding, a ruptured bladder, or damage to the spleen or liver can be life-threatening. Timely veterinary intervention can save a life, so never hesitate to seek professional help.
In such cases, the veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and will most likely carry out X-rays, ultrasound scans, and blood tests. The dog may receive intravenous fluids, pain relief, and other medications to stabilize its condition and support survival. Depending on the severity and nature of the injuries, this process may take hours or even days.
If the injuries are incompatible with life, then true help means not allowing the animal to suffer further and assisting it in passing away painlessly. This decision is also part of the owner’s responsibility.
Summary
A pet’s accident-free life largely depends on the owner’s attentiveness and sense of responsibility. Proper training and responsible pet ownership—such as using a leash, handling gates safely, and educating the dog—greatly contribute to preventing tragic accidents.
Never forget: our dogs’ safety is in our hands.
