When a dog is hit by a car in West Vancouver, the situation is a true Pet Emergency that requires fast, calm, and informed action. Vehicle-related trauma is one of the most common causes of life-threatening injuries in dogs, especially in busy residential areas, near parks, and along main corridors. Knowing exactly what to do in the first minutes after impact can significantly improve survival rates and long-term outcomes. This guide is written to help West Vancouver dog owners respond immediately, reduce complications, and get professional emergency veterinary care as quickly as possible from NorthCare Animal Hospital, serving both West Vancouver and North Vancouver. If your dog has been struck by a vehicle, call 604-984-1464 right away. We are open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, and provide Walk-in service for urgent cases.
In West Vancouver, dog-car accidents often happen suddenly and without warning, leaving owners shocked and unsure how to help. Dogs may appear outwardly “okay” while suffering internal bleeding, lung bruising, spinal injuries, or fractures that worsen rapidly without treatment. Immediate assessment, safe handling, and rapid transport to an emergency veterinary hospital are critical steps that can save your dog’s life.
| Emergency Factor | Why It Matters After a Car Accident | What Pet Owners Should Do Immediately |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Bleeding | Can be fatal within minutes to hours even if no external wounds are visible | Assume bleeding is present and seek a Pet Emergency vet immediately |
| Shock | Trauma disrupts circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs | Keep your dog warm, quiet, and transport urgently |
| Fractures & Spinal Injury | Movement can worsen damage to bones or the spinal cord | Lift carefully using a board, towel, or blanket |
| Lung Trauma | Bruising or puncture can cause breathing failure | Monitor breathing rate and effort while en route |
| Pain & Stress | Severe pain increases shock and complicates treatment | Avoid unnecessary handling and go straight to emergency care |
The first and most important step after a dog is hit by a car in West Vancouver is to ensure your own safety and the safety of others. Move out of traffic if it is safe to do so, but do not chase your injured dog if they panic and run. Injured dogs may bite out of fear or pain, even if they have never shown aggression before. Speak calmly, move slowly, and if possible, use a leash, towel, or blanket as a makeshift muzzle only if absolutely necessary. Never put your face close to your dog’s mouth during a Pet Emergency.
Once you reach your dog, perform a quick but gentle assessment. Check if your dog is conscious and breathing. Look for obvious bleeding, abnormal limb positions, or difficulty breathing. Do not attempt to set broken bones or push organs back inside the body. If there is external bleeding, apply light pressure with a clean cloth, towel, or bandage if available. Heavy bleeding from the chest, abdomen, or head should be treated as life-threatening. Even if bleeding appears minor, internal injuries are extremely common after vehicle trauma and require immediate veterinary evaluation.
Keeping your dog still is critical. Movement can worsen internal bleeding, spinal injuries, and fractures. If your dog is unable to stand or walk, gently lift them onto a firm surface such as a board, thick blanket, or towel to create a stretcher. Support the head and neck in a straight line, especially if you suspect spinal trauma. Dogs hit by cars in West Vancouver frequently suffer pelvic fractures and spinal injuries that are not immediately obvious, so immobilization is essential.
Shock is a major concern after any dog-car accident. Signs of shock include pale or white gums, rapid heart rate, weakness, collapse, shallow breathing, or confusion. Keep your dog warm by covering them with a blanket, but do not apply heat directly. Do not give food, water, or human pain medications. Many over-the-counter medications are toxic to dogs and can make injuries worse. The goal is to stabilize and transport, not to treat at home.
As soon as your dog is safely contained, head directly to an emergency veterinary clinic. For residents of West Vancouver, NorthCare Animal Hospital provides emergency veterinary care, Walk-in service, and advanced diagnostics for trauma cases. You do not need an appointment during an emergency. Call 604-984-1464 while you are on your way so the medical team can prepare for immediate assessment and treatment. Fast communication allows the veterinary team to be ready with oxygen, imaging, pain control, and surgical support if needed.
During transport, monitor your dog’s breathing and responsiveness. Normal resting breathing for dogs is typically under 30 breaths per minute; rapid, labored, or open-mouth breathing can indicate lung trauma or internal bleeding. If your dog becomes unresponsive or breathing worsens, continue driving safely and call ahead for instructions. Time is critical in a Pet Emergency, especially following a car accident.
When you arrive at the hospital, your dog will be triaged immediately. Emergency veterinarians prioritize life-threatening conditions such as airway compromise, hemorrhage, shock, and severe pain. In many cases, dogs hit by cars in West Vancouver require emergency X-rays, ultrasound, or CT imaging to detect internal injuries that cannot be seen externally. Blood tests may be used to assess organ function, blood loss, and oxygen levels. Intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and strong pain management are commonly started right away.
Treatment for dogs hit by cars varies depending on injury severity. Some dogs may require emergency surgery for internal bleeding, ruptured organs, or complex fractures. Others may need hospitalization for monitoring, pain control, and supportive care. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes, reduces complications, and shortens recovery time. Delaying care, even when injuries seem mild, can result in rapid deterioration hours after the accident.
West Vancouver’s mix of residential streets, trails, and high-traffic areas increases the risk of vehicle accidents involving dogs, particularly during early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Dogs that slip a leash, escape a yard, or are startled by noise are especially vulnerable. Understanding that every dog-car accident is a Pet Emergency helps owners act decisively rather than waiting to “see how things go.”
After emergency treatment, your veterinarian will discuss recovery, follow-up care, and long-term prognosis. Recovery may involve restricted activity, medications, physical rehabilitation, and repeat imaging. Dogs with orthopedic injuries often require weeks to months of controlled healing. Dogs with internal injuries may need close monitoring even after discharge. Following veterinary instructions carefully is essential to prevent setbacks and complications.
If you live in West Vancouver or North Vancouver, having an emergency plan before an accident happens can save precious time. Know the fastest route to an emergency veterinary hospital, keep a blanket or towel in your vehicle, and store the number 604-984-1464 in your phone. NorthCare Animal Hospital is open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, offering reliable Walk-in service for urgent and traumatic injuries.
In summary, if your dog is hit by a car in West Vancouver, treat the situation as an immediate Pet Emergency. Stay calm, keep your dog still, avoid unnecessary handling, and transport them to professional emergency care without delay. Fast action, proper handling, and expert veterinary treatment make the greatest difference in survival and recovery. When seconds matter, NorthCare Animal Hospital is here to help West Vancouver and North Vancouver pet owners with compassionate, skilled emergency care.