Health & Education - Snakes
SNAKES
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?
Snakes need cover to hunt in and protect themselves. If they don’t have places to hide they are less likely to be around.
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
- 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
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!!!
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