Before administering first aid, make sure the animal and you are not in danger of further injury from oncoming traffic. Apply a muzzle on dogs and put a blanket over cats before attempting to touch the animal to decrease the chance of being bitten or scratched. Check the animal’s level of alertness as well as its breathing rate and effort. If the animal is unconscious and not breathing check for a heartbeat. See the section on CPR if there is no breathing or heartbeat. If possible check the color of the gums (do not attempt on a dog who is not muzzled or on an alert, fearful cat). Pale gums may indicate shock or bleeding. Check for external bleeding and open wounds. If external bleeding is severe especially if the blood is spurting instead of oozing, apply direct pressure over the wound using a clean gauze or cloth. If severe bleeding is present and the wound is on a leg, the chest, or the belly place a clean wrap over the sight. Do not use tourniquets to stop bleeding. If the animal bleeds through a bandage do not remove the bandage but place a new one over it. Check for any abnormal position of the limbs but do not attempt to straighten or re-position the leg. If bone is visible through a wound rinse the area with clean water and place a clean bandage over the exposed bone. Transport dogs to the veterinarian immediately on a board, stretcher, or a blanket used as a stretcher. Make sure the legs of the animal are supported on the board or stretcher and that the animal can not fall off. Cats and small dogs may be placed in a small box or carrier. All animals hit by a car should be examined by a veterinarian regardless of how mild the signs may appear to be.