Published: 18 Mar 2018 | Last Updated: 19 Mar 2018 09:27:36

A new VetCompass™ study of almost 200,000 dogs has revealed some fascinating insights into Road Traffic Accident (RTA) events in dogs in the UK.

The paper, published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, reveals that 4 in every 1000 dogs was involved in an RTA. Younger and male dogs were especially at risk; the average age of affected dogs was 2.5 years and males had 1.4 times the risk of females. Over one fifth of all dogs died from their reported RTA event. There were no breeds that showed higher RTA odds than crossbred dogs but 3 breeds showed reduced odds: Golden Retriever, Shih-Tzu and West Highland White Terrier. This study highlights that owners of younger and especially male dogs need to be especially vigilant about road safety for their dogs. 

HARRIS, G. L., BRODBELT, D., CHURCH, D., HUMM, K., MCGREEVY, P. D., THOMSON, P. C. & O'NEILL, D. 2018. Epidemiology, clinical management, and outcomes of dogs involved in road traffic accidents in the United Kingdom (2009–2014). Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2 (2); 140-148.