Snake Bites in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

When dogs get nosy, it can lead to trouble – especially with snakes! Here’s what you need to know about how to treat snake bites in dogs.

Though cats are the ones known for their curiosity, dogs also have a tendency to get into trouble. When your dog is out in the woods, he’s likely to encounter many potential dangers including snakes. Even if a snake isn’t poisonous, snake bites are painful and can lead to infection. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about snake bites in dogs.

How High is the Risk for Snake Bites?

There are 25 different types of poisonous snake found in North America and every state has at least a handful. While not every snake has deadly venom, the bite itself can be very painful for a dog and the wound may be susceptible to infection. If your dog is bitten by a venomous snake, timely treatment is extremely important. But how high is the risk for snake bites and what are the signs of a snake bite?

Related:Dog Rattlesnake Vaccine – Is It Effective?

If your dog is bitten by a snake, you should err on the side of caution and assume that it is venomous. Non-venomous snakes don’t typically bite their prey – they constrict it. In cases where your dog gets bitten by a snake, the bite is most likely to occur on the head or neck. Not every bite delivers a dose of venom but, again, it is better to be safe than sorry and treat any bite as an emergency situation. Here are some of the signs of snake bite in dogs:

    Snake venom can affect one or several of your dog’s bodily systems including the nervous system, cardiopulmonary system, and even the coagulation system. The amount of venom delivered is not relative to the size of the snake and you should never try to remove the venom from the bite yourself.

    What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Bitten?

    If you see your dog bitten by a snake, make note of any identifying characteristics so you can tell your veterinarian what type of snake it was. Once you’ve done so, get your dog to the vet as soon as you possibly can. Do not attempt to extract the venom and do not apply a tourniquet yourself. Restrict your dog’s movement and immobilize the affected limb if your dog is bitten on the leg. Do not apply ice and do not apply pressure or covering to the wound.

    When you get your dog to the vet, he will be able to determine the proper course of treatment. In some cases, antivenom may be administered but it is most effective within 4 hours of a bite – the longer you wait, the less effective it may be. In some cases, IV fluids and oxygen support may be administered to control shock and to prevent tissue damage. Anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, antihistamines, and anticonvulsants may also be called for. Your dog will need to be monitored for a minimum of 12 hours and his recovery depends on the type of snake, the size of the dog, and the promptness of treatment.

    What About the Rattlesnake Vaccine?

    If you live in an area where rattlesnakes are common, you may have heard of the rattlesnake vaccine. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding the use of the vaccine, so you’ll need to talk to your veterinarian to determine if it’s something you want for your dog. The vaccine works by inciting your dog’s immune system to produce antibodies against rattlesnake venom, essentially neutralizing the toxin. The problem is that the vaccine isn’t a guarantee of safety and it can actually reduce the signs if the dog gets bitten. More study is needed to determine the efficacy of the vaccine.

    Unfortunately, the world is full of danger and you can’t always protect your dog. The best thing you can do is know what to look for when it comes to venomous snakes in your area and be on the lookout when you take your dog into a high-risk area.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Betty

    We know it’s only Tuesday – only four more days until the weekend. To make the beginning of the week more enjoyable, we present to you our Upside…
    How To Treat Flea Bites On Dogs

    Save your pet from the suffering of a severe infestation. Take a bite out of pesky flea problems, as we go over ways to treat flea bites on dogs.
    Walkzee Kickstarter Wants To Pair Dogless Walkers With A Shelter Pooch

    Who wants to go for walkies with shelter dogs? If you raised your hand, then this Kickstarter project is for you! With urban sprawl running rampant (and with…
    How to Care for Stray Cats

    While we may not be able to adopt stray cats, there are many things we can do to make sure they are taken care of while they live outdoors.
    Should You Get a Kitten for Your Senior Cat?

    If you have a senior cat who seems bored or lonely, you might be thinking about adopting a kitten to give them a feline companion. But is this a good idea?
    Help Kickstart FoodieKat’s Catnip Infused Sushi Cat Toys

    Tired of boring cat toys that line the aisles of pet stores? So is your cat, and FoodieKat''s new Catnip Infused Sushi Toys are aimed to remedy that problem!
    Day or Night, StarWalk Puts Your Pooch on the Path to a Healthier Life

    Nope, it has nothing to do with taking a romantic moonlight stroll! StarWalk is the easy, visual way to keep track of your dog''s daily exercise regimen.
    These Dog Toys Are Tearrible – So Support Their Kickstarter Campaign

    Do your dogs destroy their toys? What if you could put them back together again easily? Now you can with Tearribles, a new project on Kickstarter.
    Pumi

    A multi-functional dog, the Pumi is often used as a sheepdog, guard and hunting dog. He fits in to a family setting and makes a wonderful companion.
    Care-Tzu

    The outgoing little Care-Tzu brings together the headstrong personality of the Shih Tzu and the curious nature of the Cairn Terrier.
    North American Wood Turtle

    The North American Wood Turtle is a popular turtle breed, thanks to its friendliness, its endearing personality, and that it is tame and easy to handle.
    Adventures In Dog Sitting: Let The Fun Begin (Part 2)

    Let''s hear it from the dogs! Mickey and Oscar tell their side of the story during our first few days together as we embark in our doggy sitting adventure.
    Attention Fashionistas: Mulberry Wants To Don Your Dog In Designer Dud

    Pooches on and off the runway will want to strut their stuff when they wear these chic collars and leashes Renowned British fashion house Mulberry is probabl…
    Arlo Go’s Wireless Capabilities Lets You Monitor Pets Anywhere, Insi

    Meet the Arlo Go, the world''s first and only 100% wire-free, weatherproof, LTE mobile HD pet monitor that you can take with you when travelling.
    Mountain Mastiff

    The Mountain Mastiff is a cross between a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and Mastiff. It''s a popular breed because they are sensitive, docile, and kind.