Dog is Bleeding Heavily

A coat or blankets may be used as a makeshift stretcher, but only a dog that is so badly injured that it is unaware of its surroundings is likely to tolerate being earned in this way.

If the dog is bleeding heavily, use whatever is available to make a pressure pad; bind the wound and take the dog to the surgery immediately. If the dog is carrying a leg, or is limping, there may be a fracture.

Despite the first-aid warning about not moving an injured person, you are better to take the dog straightaway to the veterinary surgery than to wait while someone phones around to find a vet who can leave the surgery to attend the accident.

There is no organized emergency ambulance service for animals. Once the dog's mouth is bound and it cannot bite, it is almost always safe to carry the dog.

If possible, let the affected leg hang free -you will avoid further damage, and pain Dogs in road accidents will often run away, despite serious injury.

If you see this happen warn the police, who will at least be able to inform anyone who enquires about their missing dog. Sometimes the police will accept immediate responsibility for the care of dogs involved in road accidents.

 If they are informed of an accident and are able to attend the scene, they will usually know the local veterinary surgeons and be able to advise on the vet's phone numbers.