By Tom A Smith
If you like to take walks in the grass with your dog, be careful of snakes. Snakes are often out and about in the warmer months between March and October. Snakes can be aggressive and will attack dogs.
Dog bites often occur on the head, shoulders and neck because curious dogs will try to grab the snake. Rattlesnakes, water moccasins and copperheads are the most dangerous snakes. However, all snake bites need to be treated, no matter what type of snake bit your dog. Even a non-venomous snake can cause health problems in a dog.
Symptoms of snake bites
If your dog was bitten by a snake, you will likely notice swelling and bleeding. The dog may vomit and frequently urinate and defecate. Your dog will be in intense pain from the venom and will appear weak and have difficulty breathing. He may be wobbly and on the brink of collapsing. Renal failure and low blood pressure are also common signs.
If your dog was bitten by a snake, you will likely notice swelling and bleeding. The dog may vomit and frequently urinate and defecate. Your dog will be in intense pain from the venom and will appear weak and have difficulty breathing. He may be wobbly and on the brink of collapsing. Renal failure and low blood pressure are also common signs.
Some dogs show no signs at all. They may have a snake bite wound hidden in long hair, making it unknown to the owner that the dog has been bitten. However, even those with no symptoms may stop breathing and die within an hour.
Avoiding snake encounters
Avoid making your yard a haven for snakes by keeping it free of debris and places where snakes can hide. Clear brushes and remove any toys, tools and buckets that snakes can sleep in. Keep plants and brush away from paths and walkways.
Avoid making your yard a haven for snakes by keeping it free of debris and places where snakes can hide. Clear brushes and remove any toys, tools and buckets that snakes can sleep in. Keep plants and brush away from paths and walkways.
Keep your dog away from tall grasses and bushes. Put him on a leash when outdoors so you can pull him away from the snake, should you see one.
Snakes are attracted to mice, gophers and other rodents, so take steps keep your yard rodent-free. Remove any old food, fruit and bird seed.
If you encounter a snake, go back the way you came. Be familiar of the most common types of snakes in your area and be prepared to identify them in case of an emergency. With identification, the vet will be able to better care for your dog if he gets bit.
If your dog is bitten
In a snake bite situation, your dog needs immediate medical attention. A dog can become paralyzed from snake venom and die if no anti-venom is given within an hour. However, try to stay calm. Try not to panic, as this will cause your dog to panic. If your dog panics, this will make his heart beat faster, which will make the venom spread quicker. Keep your dog as still as possible. If he was bitten on the neck, remove any collars. Do what you can to keep the bite below the level of the heart. If you can, quickly make a restraint or splint to keep the bite area immobilized.
In a snake bite situation, your dog needs immediate medical attention. A dog can become paralyzed from snake venom and die if no anti-venom is given within an hour. However, try to stay calm. Try not to panic, as this will cause your dog to panic. If your dog panics, this will make his heart beat faster, which will make the venom spread quicker. Keep your dog as still as possible. If he was bitten on the neck, remove any collars. Do what you can to keep the bite below the level of the heart. If you can, quickly make a restraint or splint to keep the bite area immobilized.
Call the vet and let the office know about the snake bite. They will direct you as to what to do and where to go. If you can, find someone to come with you to the vet so someone can drive, and the other person can keep the dog stable. Prepare to stay at the vet for a while. Your dog will need to be monitored closely for infections and organ failure.
What not to do
Do not attempt to treat a snake bite at home. Sucking out the venom or applying ice does nothing to help the bite heal. In fact, they can make the situation worse. Instead, focus on getting your dog to the vet as quickly as possible.
Do not attempt to treat a snake bite at home. Sucking out the venom or applying ice does nothing to help the bite heal. In fact, they can make the situation worse. Instead, focus on getting your dog to the vet as quickly as possible.
Keep your own safety in mind. Do not attempt to chase after the snake and kill it. The snake could bite you in the process, leaving both you and your dog seriously harmed. Do not touch the snake, even if it appears dead. In some cases, a snake can still bite when dead.
Prognosis
Fortunately, the prognosis is very good if a dog receives medical attention in time. Approximately 90 percent of dogs will survive a snake bite. However, the cost of anti-venom can be quite high. Depending on the type of snake, it can range from several hundred dollars to more than $1,000.
Fortunately, the prognosis is very good if a dog receives medical attention in time. Approximately 90 percent of dogs will survive a snake bite. However, the cost of anti-venom can be quite high. Depending on the type of snake, it can range from several hundred dollars to more than $1,000.
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