Warm summer days provide more opportunities for outdoor activities with our pets. However, more freedom, longer walks, and poorly latching backyard gates can increase the chances of a serious accident. During the summer months, the team at Animal Emergency & Referral Associates commonly treats pets who have been hit by a car. These devastating accidents happen in mere seconds and put dogs at risk of severe—sometimes deadly—injuries.

No pet owner means to leave the backyard gate open or lose their grip on a pet’s leash. You may not be able to predict what will spook a dog or spark their interest in a chase, but you can develop habits that help prevent an unexpected emergency. Here are a few simple strategies you can use to help keep your dog safe from hit-by-car accidents.

1. Keep your dog on a leash

Unless you’re in a designated, secure off-leash dog area, letting your dog run loose is a bad idea for several reasons. Your dog could approach another dog who is not friendly, pick up something dangerous off the ground, or wander into traffic. Even the best-trained dogs can become startled or distracted under the right circumstances.

A secure leash—attached to a well-fitted collar or harness—is one of the most effective ways to prevent a hit-by-car injury. Ensure your dog cannot slip out, and consider a front-clip or double-leash harness for excitable or strong dogs.

2. Secure gates and doors

Fenced yards can be great, but they aren’t foolproof. Dogs can dig under, climb over, or bolt through if a gate isn’t latched, increasing the risk of a hit-by-car accident. They can also escape from your home or car when the door opens. To prevent this scenario, consider the two-barrier rule: Always keep two forms of restraint between your dog and the road. Examples of barriers that can be combined include:

• A baby gate and the front door

• The front door and a yard gate

• A leash placed before opening the door or gate

• Double fencing or door/gate vestibules

Additionally, supervise your pet when outdoors to keep them from chasing visitors along the fenceline or attempting to escape the yard, which increases the chances of them getting out in the future. Consult a trainer if you notice these habits developing.

3. Train your dog

Training can dramatically decrease your dog’s chances of being hit by a car. Critical skills to work on include:

• Recall — Teach your dog to come when called despite distractions.

• Wait — Teach your dog to wait for you to put on a leash and give them the OK before bolting through an open door.

• Leash manners — Teach your dog to walk on a leash and stay by your side without pulling.

4. Stay alert

It’s easy to zone out during a routine walk, but staying alert can prevent accidents. Pay attention to your surroundings and watch for hazards or distractions, such as cars pulling in or out of driveways, joggers, kids on bikes, wildlife, and other dogs. Choose walking routes with sidewalks or grass medians separating you from traffic whenever possible. Cross at crosswalks, and teach your dog to sit before crossing the street.

5. Use lights and reflective gear

Drivers may struggle to see you and your dog in low light. Use a reflective leash or harness and consider attaching a clip-on light made for visibility, such as those for bicyclists, to your dog’s gear if you walk before dawn or after dark. You can also wear reflective gear and light clothing, and carry a flashlight to stay visible and spot potential hazards.

6. Secure your dog on car rides

Cars are dangerous to dogs on the road, but accidents can happen closer to home, too. Getting into and out of a car in parking lots or near busy streets can be risky, and a pet who gets loose can even be hit in their own driveway. Secure your dog with a seatbelt or crate, and attach a leash before opening the door to prevent them from running or jumping out at a dangerous time.

What to do if your dog gets hit by a car

If the worst happens, stay calm and act fast:

1. Approach your dog carefully—an injured, frightened pet may bite.

2. Move them off the road if you can safely do so—call the police for help if the road is busy.

3. Use a blanket or board to lift your pet gently into a transport vehicle.

4. Head to AERA or the nearest veterinary emergency hospital—even if your pet seems OK, head trauma and internal injuries are possible.

Your dog depends on you to keep them safe. Taking extra precautions during outdoor activities, training your dog, and ensuring adequate barriers between them and the road can help you avoid tragic hit-by-car injuries. Contact AERA immediately if your pet sustains a traffic-related injury or needs other emergency or specialty care, or to learn more about summer pet safety.