About 15,000 dogs and cats are bitten by snakes annually. More dogs than cats are bitten and dogs are usually bitten on their heads or extremities. A snake bite should ALWAYS be considered an emergency!!!! If you even suspect your dog has been bitten by a snake take the dog to an Emergency Veterinarian Immediately. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!!!!
What are the Symptoms of a Snake Bite?
- One, two or several small puncture wounds
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Extreme painful swelling at the site of the bite
- Inability to bark
- Diarrhea
- Shock
- Lethargy and weakness
- Muscle Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
What Should I Do If My Dog is Bitten?
- Seek immediate treatment from an Emergency Animal Clinic.
- Restrict movement of your dog – This will help the venom from spreading.
- If your dog is bitten on an extremity, loosely immobilize the limb in a functional position.
- DO NOT apply a tourniquet without veterinary assistance. A tourniquet will significantly affect circulation to the area and may result in serious tissue damage.
- DO NOT apply ice to the area
Prevention
Snakes need cover to hunt in and protect themselves. If they don’t have places to hide they are less likely to be around.
- Eliminate rock piles.
- Keep leaves and other debris picked up to reduce the nesting and living area for snakes.
- No food for domestic pets should be allowed to remain on the ground.
- Cordwood should be stacked as far away from the house as possible.
- Keep the lawn low cut and clean.
- Snakes LOVE English Ivy and other dense ground covering, so if possible remove it from you property and if you can’t keep your dog out of it!!!