Dog Hit by Car Emergency in Fairlawn, OH
Emergency Pet Trauma Care for Dogs and Cats
If your dog has been hit by a car, the situation can feel overwhelming. Even if your pet stands up or appears alert, internal injuries may not be immediately visible. Trauma cases require prompt evaluation because complications can develop quickly.
At Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, we provide emergency pet trauma care for dogs and cats in Fairlawn, Copley, and the surrounding Akron area. When you call ahead, we prepare our team and equipment so we can begin evaluation as soon as you arrive.
If your pet has been struck by a vehicle, contact us immediately so we can guide you on the safest next steps.
What To Do Immediately After Your Dog Is Hit by a Car
Your safety is important. Approach your pet calmly and cautiously. Injured animals may react unpredictably due to pain or fear.
If possible, limit movement. Sudden motion can worsen internal injuries or fractures. Use a blanket, board, or large towel to help move your pet while keeping the spine supported.
Apply gentle pressure to visible bleeding using clean cloth or gauze. Avoid giving food, water, or medication unless directed by a veterinarian.
Even if your dog seems stable, evaluation is strongly recommended. Internal bleeding and organ damage are not always obvious at first.
Why a Dog Hit by Car Is Always an Emergency
Vehicle trauma can affect multiple body systems at once. Impact forces can cause injuries that are not visible externally.
Common concerns include fractures, internal bleeding, lung bruising, head trauma, abdominal injury, and shock. A dog may appear alert initially and then decline hours later as internal bleeding progresses.
Prompt veterinary evaluation allows us to detect hidden injuries and begin stabilization before complications worsen.
Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
If your pet is vomiting, experiencing abdominal pain, or may have swallowed a foreign object, exploratory surgery allows us to identify and treat problems such as intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, or abdominal masses. In some cases, biopsies are taken to better understand chronic digestive issues.
What Happens During Emergency Trauma Evaluation
When your pet arrives, we begin with rapid triage. We assess airway, breathing, circulation, neurological status, and pain level. Stabilization is always the first priority.
Depending on your pet’s condition, we may recommend bloodwork to evaluate organ function and blood loss. Radiographs help identify fractures and chest injuries. Ultrasound can detect internal bleeding or abdominal damage.
Intravenous fluids are often administered to support blood pressure and circulation. Oxygen therapy may be used if breathing is compromised. Pain management is initiated early to support comfort and reduce stress.
Once your pet is stabilized, we discuss findings and treatment options clearly so you can make informed decisions.
Common Injuries After Being Hit by a Vehicle
Trauma cases vary widely. Some dogs experience minor soft tissue injuries. Others require advanced medical or surgical intervention.
Fractures are common and may involve the legs, pelvis, or jaw. Internal bleeding can occur in the abdomen or chest. Lung bruising may cause difficulty breathing. Head trauma may lead to confusion, disorientation, or seizures.
Abdominal injuries can involve the spleen, liver, or bladder. These injuries may not be immediately obvious without imaging.
Each trauma case is unique. Careful monitoring allows us to adjust treatment based on how your pet responds.
When Surgery May Be Required
Some injuries require surgical intervention. These may include fracture repair, abdominal surgery for internal bleeding, wound reconstruction, or splenectomy if the spleen is ruptured.
We evaluate surgical need based on diagnostic findings and your pet’s stability. Before any procedure, we explain risks, expected recovery, and monitoring requirements.
Our focus is to stabilize first, then proceed with the safest and most appropriate treatment plan.
Monitoring After Trauma
Even after initial stabilization, close monitoring is essential. Some complications develop hours after the initial injury.
We may hospitalize your pet to monitor:
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Respiratory effort
- Blood pressure
- Urine output
- Pain levels
Follow-up imaging or repeat bloodwork may be recommended to track changes.
If your pet is discharged the same day, we provide clear instructions on what to watch for at home.
Signs That Require Immediate Re-Evaluation
After a trauma event, contact us immediately if you notice:
- Pale gums
- Weakness or collapse
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal swelling
- Continued vomiting
- Worsening lethargy
Early re-evaluation can prevent more serious complications.
Recovery Expectations
Recovery depends on the severity of injury. Some dogs recover within a few weeks with rest and pain management. Others may require longer rehabilitation, especially if fractures or surgery were involved.
Activity restriction is often necessary to allow proper healing. We provide specific guidance based on your dog’s diagnosis.
Follow-up visits allow us to monitor healing progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Why Families in Fairlawn Trust Us for Pet Trauma Care
Facing a dog hit by car emergency is frightening. Families in Fairlawn and Copley trust us because we focus on rapid stabilization, thorough diagnostics, and clear communication throughout the process.
Dr. Ashley Staycheff and our team evaluate each trauma case individually. We take time to explain findings, outline treatment options, and support you through recovery decisions.
Our goal is to provide structured emergency care while keeping you informed and reassured during a stressful time. For more information about urgent veterinary services, visit our
Emergency Vet page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Hit by Car Emergencies
My dog is walking normally. Could there still be internal injury?
Yes. Internal bleeding or lung bruising may not be visible immediately. Evaluation is recommended even if your dog appears stable.
What are signs of internal bleeding in dogs?
Weakness, pale gums, collapse, abdominal swelling, or rapid breathing may indicate internal injury.
How long after an accident can complications develop?
Some complications develop within hours. Early monitoring reduces risk of delayed diagnosis.
Will my dog always need surgery?
Not every trauma case requires surgery. Treatment depends on injury type and severity.
Should I wait and see if my dog improves?
Because some injuries are not immediately visible, waiting can delay critical treatment. Prompt evaluation is safest.
Get Started with Vello
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Introducing Vello
A Better Way to Stay Connected
We’re excited to announce that starting August 4th, our clinic is using Vello, a convenient text messaging app designed to make communication with us easier than ever. With the Vello app, you can easily get appointment reminders, request visits, text our team, and enjoy faster, more convenient service - all from your phone.
We encourage all appointment requests to go through the Vello app beginning August 4th, so you can enjoy a smoother, more connected experience with our team.
Emergency Trauma Care in Fairlawn
If your dog or cat has been hit by a vehicle, do not delay evaluation.
Call us immediately so we can prepare for your arrival and begin stabilization as soon as possible.
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Different Procedures We Offer
Spay/Neuter
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s reproductive organs to prevent reproduction. Neutering involves removing both testicles in male dogs to render them infertile.
Exploratory Surgeries and Biopsies
Cytology involves examining cell samples under a microscope to help diagnose tumors, fluid buildup, or issues in organs like the liver or lungs. A biopsy is the surgical removal of tissue for detailed microscopic analysis of suspicious lesions.
TTA/CCL Repairs
A common knee injury in dogs is a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL in humans. This ligament helps stabilize the knee, and when torn, it causes the shin bone to move abnormally, leading to pain, lameness, and joint damage. Over time, this instability can result in osteoarthritis.
MPL Procedures
A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove at the end of the thighbone. This condition causes instability in the knee joint and can lead to discomfort or difficulty walking.
Amputation Services
Amputation is a surgical procedure to remove a pet’s limb, often due to cancer, severe injury, infection, or chronic pain. Forelimb amputations usually involve removing the entire limb, while hindlimb amputations are done at the hip or upper thigh. In some cases, modifications may be made to allow for a prosthetic limb.
Fracture Repairs
In many cases, surgical stabilization is recommended for treating fractures in pets. Unlike humans, dogs and cats often fracture major bones like the femur or humerus, which can't be easily treated with splints or casts.
Mass Removals
Finding a lump under your pet’s skin can be alarming and should be checked by a vet. Many are harmless lipomas (fatty tumors), but some may involve mast cells, which are part of the immune system. Proper diagnosis is important to determine if the lump is benign or cancerous.
Splenectomy
The spleen is a tongue-shaped organ located below the stomach with a texture similar to the liver. While dogs can live without it, the spleen plays a supportive role in overall health.
Cystotomy
Bladder stones are mineral formations that develop in the urinary bladder, ranging in size from tiny grains to larger rocks. They often result from bladder disease or inflammation and can appear as a single stone or a mix of various sizes.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure for male cats with urinary blockages. It widens the urethral opening to make urination easier and reduce the risk of future obstructions.
C-Sections
A caesarean section (C-section) is a major surgery to deliver puppies, often done in emergencies when natural birth is difficult. Most dogs recover quickly, but if labor was prolonged before surgery, recovery may be slower and require extra care.
