Dark Nights Increase Risks To Dogs On Roads

The risk of dogs becoming involved in road traffic accidents, (RTA) during the winter, increases by 8% over the summer, the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, (PDSA) said today. Additionally, due to the nature of their injuries, the average cost of veterinary treatment for dogs involved in RTAs can be at least 50% higher than in the summer, averaging over £1,100.

Elaine Pendlebury, PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon warns:

"During the winter, victims of road traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of trauma we see at PDSA PetAid hospitals.

"Because it's dark so early, many pet owners won't have even seen the accident happen and so don't realise their dog or cat has been hit by a car, and so are at a loss when their pet returns home looking unsteady on their feet. Often injuries are hidden or impossible to detect without a veterinary inspection; such as bruises buried beneath layers of fur or internal injuries. These are the pets we do see, but sadly, in many cases, a pet may just crawl away and never be seen again."

Young cats, especially those aged between seven months and two years which are not 'street-wise,' are particularly vulnerable on the roads at night.

PDSA advises pet owners to look out for that could indicate a pet has been involved in an accident:

Pale gums and lips: could be a sign of internal bleeding

Difficulty breathing

Cuts, wounds and bruises: make sure you check beneath fur

Scuffed hind claws: could be a sign that your pet dug its claws into the road when hit, causing a fraying of the hind nails

Limping

Inability to stand