Venomous Snake Bites and what to do if your dog gets bitten
April 12th, 2010 | Published in Dog Information, Pet Care/Health, Uncategorized | 28 Comments
Where I live in Northern California, Spring and Summer is synonymous with baby rattlesnakes. We have many nature trails to walk our dogs in my town and I’ve seen snakes sunning themselves on the trails many times. Let me tell you, they put the fear of God in you!
Copperhead Snake
This information was obtained in my Dog First Aid booklet from the American Red Cross. All responsible dog and cat owners should take a class at least every other year. If you don’t have a Red Cross Chapter near you, you can take classes from independent sources like PetTech.net. Pet First Aid kits should also be a must in your home. PetFinder.com has a list to make your own or you can purchase one from Amazon.com are good sources for kits.
Venomous Snakes in the United States – Pit Vipers
Rattlesnakes: Rattlesnakes come in 16 distinct varieties, but they are most identified with a jointed rattle on the tail and a triangular head. They usually get up to 3-4 feet in length, sometimes longer. Most are found in the Southwestern US, but some variety can be found in every contiguous state.
Rattlesnake
Copperheads: Copperheads do not have a rattle and are about 4 feet long in adulthood. They are most characterized by their deep coppery orange color on their heads. Also known as a Highland Moccasin and found mainly in the Eastern US.
Cottonmouths: Cottonmouths or Water Moccasins are about 4 feet in length with a dark body and the inside of their mouth is bright white. They are found by rivers, wetlands and lakes usually in South Carolina.
Coral Snakes: Coral Snakes are known for their colorful banding of red, yellow and black and can be found in the Southern and Eastern US. They grow up to 3 feet in length. Remember, “if red touches yellow, you’re a dead fellow” meaning if the red and yellow bands touch on the Coral Snake it’s the real deal and is venomous.
Coral Snake
What to do to avoid a snake bite
Keep your dog on a leash when walking outside or away from your home.
Don’t let them wander off into high brush and grass.
If you’re in a high risk area, bring a walking stick with you to stir up the brush and let the snakes know your coming and wear high boots.
If appropriate, enroll your dog in a Rattlesnake Avoidance Classes that can be taught from local dog trainers.
If you see a snake on your walk, just turn around and go the other way. That happened to me and I didn’t care how far out of the way it took me. It scared the life out of me to be honest!
Keep them away from streams and riverbeds. Snakes like to hide in the tall grasses along the water.
Know where your nearest emergency Vet clinic is in your area.
Get a Snake Vaccine from your local vet if necessary.
Cottonmouth Snake
Signs and Symptoms – according to The American Red Cross
Bleeding puncture wound
Blood does not clot
Breathing stops
Bruising or sloughing of the skin over the bitten area
Fang marks may or may not be visible, due to the dogs hair
Neurological signs such as twitching and drooling
Pain
Reddening
Signs of Shock
Swelling of the bitten area. This can be severe and progress for more than a day.
What to do if your dog is bitten
If you can, try to identify the snake type, but be aware that the venom can still be lethal for up to 1 1/2 hours even if the snake has been decapitated.
Perform pet CPR and check the dogs vital signs. You will learn this in your First Aid for Dogs class.
Keep the dog calm and carry them, if possible, home and to your car. The toxins spread faster throughout their body when they are moving.
DO NOT try to suck the venom out of the wound. DO NOT use ice on the area and DO NOT us a tourniquet.
Take your dog immediately to the Vet or Emergency Vet Clinic as time is of the essence.
Chris L Wagner
From One Pet Lover to Another
Waggy’s Eco Pet Products
April 12th, 2010 at 10:45 am (#)
Hi Chris,
I am really enjoying your website and Facebook.
Congratulations on a job well done!!!!!
April 12th, 2010 at 12:32 pm (#)
I’ll pass this information along to my sister-in-law. She owns a dog, and we live in Ohio. I know that she regularly takes the dogs for walks in a residential area. However, she also lives closely to a wooded area, where snakes could be present.
I take away this tip – If I see a snake, turn and walk the other way. Is there any harm in running? That’s probably what I’d do!!
April 12th, 2010 at 12:55 pm (#)
Hey Chris, I never thought of the possibility of my dog getting bit my a snake and I didn’t even know about pet first aid. These are all great ideas and thank you for informing the world about them!
Anna
P.S. I found you through Ann’s Blogger Monday.
Anna´s last blog ..The Sacred Heart Diet Review
April 12th, 2010 at 1:18 pm (#)
We had a cat bitten when we lived in Texas a number of years ago, and it was touch and go for a while. The vet did an amazing job, and even though we lost part of her cheek, we followed the vet’s instructions to the letter and were able to eventually get that area to fill in.
Scary stuff – thanks for the reminder!
April 12th, 2010 at 1:44 pm (#)
Wow, as an avid hiker and trail lover, I take my dog out all the time with me. I wonder if there’s a snakebite kit for dogs, he could carry it in his pack.
Molly Burke CPCC MSU
Queen of Confidence
http://www.lifepurposeworks.com
“Even before I begin, I am made of win!”
Molly Burke, Queen of Confidence´s last blog ..Inspired living, authentic living Part 1 of a 2 part series
April 12th, 2010 at 1:45 pm (#)
Hi Molly, I’m not sure if there is a kit, but if you hike a lot, it would be worth it to get the vaccine. BTW I love your quote.
April 12th, 2010 at 1:46 pm (#)
Hi Jane,
I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. I’m glad it all worked out. My mother in law had a little Yorkie that got bit twice by a rattler and lived! She was never the same though. Thanks for your comment.
April 12th, 2010 at 1:47 pm (#)
Hi Anna,
I’m glad I was able to be of help to you. Yes, Ann is great. I’m going to a Wine, Wisdom and Women event tonight. I can’t wait. Take care of your dog this Summer!
April 12th, 2010 at 1:49 pm (#)
Hi Terez,
I live in a suburban area and still see snakes on the trails. When I’m walking the dogs, my eyes are always on the road. I guess you could run if you’re far enough away, but I wouldn’t if you’re up close. They usually don’t attack unless you’re right up on them.
Thanks for your comments
April 12th, 2010 at 1:50 pm (#)
Hey, how did you find me?? thanks, I just told someone about Susie bount with the rattler!
Take care
April 12th, 2010 at 3:04 pm (#)
One thing to keep in mind about rattlesnakes: so many rattlesnakes have been killed for their rattles that rattle-less rattlesnakes are on the rise (they have a better chance of survival).
Thank you for this post. I will definitely keep this in mind when walking my dog anywhere except on the city sidewalks. Good information.
Kerry Hargraves
http://creatingadventures.com
Life is an occasion. Rise to it!
April 12th, 2010 at 4:40 pm (#)
This is great advice as I hike more with my dog. Thanks!
April 13th, 2010 at 4:48 pm (#)
Wow, I never considered this. What an important article! I don’t have a dog, but we have cats. We try to keep them inside, but every now and then they get out. We do have dangerous snakes around (and we live in the woods), so I’m glad I read this. I do worry about the kids getting bitten…
Laura Sheman´s last blog ..Please vote: Six word story contest
April 13th, 2010 at 6:58 pm (#)
Good grief! I never thought about snakes but I will now. I don’t think snakes are an issue where I live but you have given me much food for thought about emergency care for my dog! I need to get an emergency kit. I thank you for your helpful post and so does my dog Pumpkin!
April 14th, 2010 at 1:29 am (#)
Great information. I love hiking and I have just started taking my dog with me. I have never even thought about seeing a snake. I always stay on the trail but I think I will be more aware now.
Julia Lindsey´s last blog ..Celebrating What Makes You Different is Great For Building Confidence
April 14th, 2010 at 7:45 am (#)
I appreciate you for this specific intriguing article! I also have got a blog and i am thinking, where can i download such great theme similar to your own?
April 15th, 2010 at 1:21 am (#)
Loved this post, you do not think about the pets being at risk from snake bites as well as humans.
April 15th, 2010 at 6:55 am (#)
Hi Brenda, of course I worry about both dog and human. Believe me when I saw that snake in the path, I was very worried about both of us!
April 15th, 2010 at 6:56 am (#)
Hi Scenografia, I’m not quite sure what you mean?
April 16th, 2010 at 8:06 am (#)
While I hope I never run into a snake, I’m grateful that I’m much more knowledgeable thanks to your great post. Thanks for the interesting information and for helping us to keep our pets safe too.
Renee Ludwigs
http://islandperspective.com/
“Finding tropical tranquility by living with An Island Perspective”
April 18th, 2010 at 5:37 pm (#)
Hi Lee, thanks I appreciate it! Thanks for commenting.
April 18th, 2010 at 5:38 pm (#)
Hi Renee,
Thanks. It’s good to know that what I’m posting about is helpful. Thanks so much for commenting.
April 26th, 2010 at 10:01 pm (#)
A good idea is to carry a walking stick with you when you’re going through thick grass or other cover. Snakes do NOT chase people/pets down to bite them but if you happen to step on them, or within a few inches of them you’ll probably get bit. So use the stick to sweep through the grass ahead of you in a nice wide arc. That way you’ll likely scare the snake off before anything happens
B. Durant´s last blog ..Getting a pet snake at a reptile expo
April 28th, 2010 at 1:52 pm (#)
Hi B.
Yes, that was in the post and you’re right. They are probably more afraid of us than we are of them, but if you step on one – watch out!! Thanks
May 21st, 2010 at 2:22 am (#)
Hi,
You REALLY have to be careful when you are hiking especially with a dog. Do NOT let your dog wander off. My friend told me a story that this woman let her dog wander off and the dog got into a nest of twelve copperhead baby snakes. The dog got attacked twelve times but thankfully lived.
May 25th, 2010 at 12:40 am (#)
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Always yours Mr. Cialis
August 1st, 2010 at 6:16 pm (#)
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