Each year 80,000 dogs die on our pavements racking up a bill with insurmountable emotional cost. But what happens to owner's wallets if they survive the diesel demons?
Whilst you might expect to incur charges for immediate medical attention this can rapidly spiral out of control with extra x-rays, ultrasounds and pain medication needed. However, the biggest sting to any rainy-day funds come with surgical procedures. These costs can easily reach in excess of £10,000 and considering your dog's age, breed and previous ailments this means insurance only scratches the surface.
Although with long-term rehabilitation you may be out of the woods of surgical fees this stage is just as taxing on the bank. Depending on severity of the situation the dog will need physical therapy, specialised medications and regular veterinary check-ups. This therapy could include hydrotherapy which involves walking on an underwater treadmill to build up muscle strength after vehicular trauma.
Despite these reoccurring monetary costs so far (from the dog going under the wheels and knife) the most impactful price is psychological. You may see some saddening behaviours around large vehicles and roads as they remember the painful incident. To help you should keep the lead taut and reward treats on walks to keep them happy and distracted rather than frightened.
As the driver of the vehicle, you are mandated under the Road Traffic Act (1998) and have a legal responsibility to call the police if you hit a dog. So, if as the perpetrator you flee the scene you should understand you are breaking the law and understandably the owners may seek justice.
As an owner though, you should check your insurance premiums cover any costs as there are often policy limits and further exclusions that prevent you from being able to claim costs in full. So, you should always make sure that you read the small print and understand your ability to claim after an injury.
Recently, a local family experienced this situation with their 2-year-old cockapoo called ‘Molly’ who was runover on a busy road and broke her pelvis. They were willing to enlighten me on the issue and told me that “We were all devastated and shocked as we kept theorising different ways, we could’ve avoided the situation. We missed her energetic playfulness and was used to her by our feet and jumping around. After her operation she changed and spent more time sleeping than awake. We see her as another child in the family and having to worry about the costs of helping her ease pain is indescribable!”
As many owners realise this scenario is not uncommon with 4 in every 1000 dogs experiencing the trauma, they become more proactive in ensuring complete safety on walks. This is seen with a strong lead, iron grip and complete focus when out with the dog. We all love our furry friends so let's protect our wallet!
