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Entry 994Filed under Breeding

What to Do If You Find an Injured Puppy on the Road

Protect yourself first, call a veterinarian promptly, and move an injured puppy as little as possible. Here are the steps to take and what to avoid.
3-minute read By Animalso Team
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First, protect yourself and other road users. If you can safely reach the puppy, approach slowly, call a veterinarian or emergency clinic, and move the puppy as little as possible while arranging urgent care. A puppy may have serious injuries that are not obvious, even if it can stand or walk.

1. Make the road safe before approaching

Pull over only in a place where you can stop safely. Do not step into a live lane or put yourself or other drivers at risk. If possible, alert approaching traffic without entering the roadway. If you cannot safely reach the puppy, call local animal control or police and give the exact location so responders can help.

2. Approach cautiously

Speak softly and move slowly. A puppy that is frightened or in pain may bite or scratch, even if it is usually gentle. Keep your face away from its mouth, do not hug it, and stop if it becomes more agitated. Avoid chasing it toward traffic.

3. Call a veterinarian promptly

Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as you can. Explain that the puppy may have been hit by a vehicle, describe what you can see, and give your location. Call ahead before transport so the clinic can prepare, and follow its instructions for first aid and moving the puppy.

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Signs that need emergency care

Seek emergency veterinary help for severe trauma, trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, pale gums, difficulty standing, paralysis, collapse, seizures, or unconsciousness. Severe pain, eye injuries, and suspected broken bones also require immediate veterinary attention, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Do not assume the puppy is uninjured because it gets up or walks away. Internal injuries may not be apparent at first. The American Red Cross notes that a dog may appear to recover or run off after a collision while internal injuries remain hidden.

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4. Move the puppy as little as possible

If it is safe to move the puppy and the clinic advises transport, keep its head, neck, and back aligned. Avoid twisting, jerking, or unnecessary handling, especially when a spinal injury is possible. With another person’s help, slide or lift the puppy onto a flat, firm support such as a board, thick cardboard, or a folded blanket. One person can support the body while the other prepares transport or speaks with the clinic.

5. Use only simple first aid while getting help

  • External bleeding: Hold clean gauze or cloth firmly against the wound while arranging veterinary care.
  • Embedded object: Do not pull it out; leave removal to the veterinary team.
  • Choking: Do not put your fingers in the puppy’s mouth. A frightened or injured animal may bite; get veterinary help immediately.

First aid is temporary support, not treatment. The CDC states: “Emergency treatment and first aid for pets should never be used as a substitute for veterinary care.”

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6. Look for the owner after care is arranged

Once the puppy is safe and veterinary care is being arranged, check for a collar or identification tag if it is safe to do so. Contact the local shelter or animal control and file a found-pet report. A veterinary facility or shelter can scan an untagged puppy for a microchip. Reporting procedures and agency responsibilities differ by location.

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What not to do

  • Do not enter traffic or try to handle the puppy if doing so would put anyone in danger.
  • Do not delay the call to a veterinarian to assess or treat the puppy yourself.
  • Do not move the puppy more than necessary or bend its head, neck, or back.
  • Do not put your face near its mouth, hug it, or put your fingers into its mouth.

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