When coming upon an injured dog at the scene of an accident, it must be transported out of the area immediately and back to safer ground.  This process can be a bit complicated if you do not know what you are doing in terms of evaluating the dog’s injuries and whether or not you have help from someone else to move the animal.

Spinal injuries

If you must move a dog that has a spinal injury (which include signs of unconsciousness, different sized pupils, shock, blood flowing from different orifices, or paralysis) then you must utilize the best method possible which depends on the size of the animal and whatever materials you have at your disposal.

If it is clear that a spinal injury exists, find an object that has a firm surface such as a flat sled, plywood, or even a window screen.  Slowly ease the dog onto the surface area.  Make sure he is laying on his side.  Be sure not to twist the dog’s body as you are moving him.   Another option is to utilize a towel or a blanket in order to move the dog. It is always best to have some help so that you can better slide the injured dog onto the board or blanket, as well as having someone to ride in the back seat with the dog to the hospital.

Leg injuries

If you suspect that the injured dog is suffering from a pelvic fracture or a leg injury (which includes signs of limping, swelling, and extreme soreness) then transporting the animal may be a little bit easier.  However, you must also be extremely careful not to further injure the limb.

The first thing you should do is create a splint in order to decrease the swelling so that the injury will be easier to repair when the dog arrives at the hospital. Next, see if the dog can walk with the splint, or at least stand up. If he can then you may allow him to walk towards the car with your assistance.

If the dog cannot limp or stand up at all, then you must assume that there is a more severe fracture elsewhere, or worse yet, that he has a spinal cord injury. If this is the case then you must follow the transportation steps mentioned above for spinal injuries.

Transportation safety

Regardless of what the injury is, once you have the injured dog in your vehicle, he must be restrained at all times.  This is simply a safety issue for both you and the dog.  Small dogs are best to be in a pet carrier.  If no pet carrier is available then utilize a box with a blanket inside.  Larger sized dogs are little harder to isolate so it is best if you can have someone accompany you on the way to the hospital in order to sit with the dog in the back seat and keep them still.

By utilizing special care with the tips provided here in transporting and injured dog or other animal pet, you can greatly reduce the chances of further injury.