![\"\"](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/First-Aid-for-Dogs-Car-Accident-Puppy-Tales.jpg\")
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- ASSESS & APPROACH<\/strong> if it is deemed safe to do so. Ideally crouch near the pet and see if it will come to you. If there are obvious bleeding wounds, apply pressure to stop bleeding if the pet will allow. See below for more info on bleeding. If you have a blanket, wrap the pet to keep them warm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- MOVE<\/strong> the patient if it is safe to do so, as carefully as possible, directly to a vehicle that can take the pet to the vet. Try to stabilise the patient as much as possible when lifting them so they are not struggling or moving around too much. When lifting the pet, bend from the knees, and have the their chest and waist resting resting on your forearms with their legs facing away. You will likely need assistance with larger dogs over around 20kg. If possible, have someone supporting the animal\u2019s head and neck to avoid any further spinal injury.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proceed to your VET<\/strong>. Ideally, do not be the one to drive if it is your own animal that is injured. Your attention will be split and you will be more likely to have an accident yourself. Call the VET on the way so they can prepare for your arrival and give you any useful advise on the phone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Puppy-Tales-Dog-First-Aid-accident-1.jpg\")
Dr Abbie demonstrating how the correct lift for a dog that been involved in an accident or injured.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n A side note on fighting dogs<\/em>: If you encounter dogs that are fighting with each other, follow the steps below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Stay calm and ensure the safety of those around you. Do not jump in and grab the dog around the collar, as they may reflexively whip around and bite you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Try to provide a loud distraction, such as clapping your hands or banging things together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If this still doesn\u2019t work, see if you can place an item between the dogs such as a chair or anything that disrupts their vision of each other<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If this doesn\u2019t work, and you feel it is safe to manually separate the dogs, grab the dog from the top of the hind legs and pick this area up high to create a wheelbarrow effect. It should be noted however that it can be dangerous to separate fighting dogs by any mechanism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- MOVE<\/strong> the patient if it is safe to do so, as carefully as possible, directly to a vehicle that can take the pet to the vet. Try to stabilise the patient as much as possible when lifting them so they are not struggling or moving around too much. When lifting the pet, bend from the knees, and have the their chest and waist resting resting on your forearms with their legs facing away. You will likely need assistance with larger dogs over around 20kg. If possible, have someone supporting the animal\u2019s head and neck to avoid any further spinal injury.<\/li>\n\n\n\n