Dog Bitten by a Snake? Clinical Symptoms & What You Should Do

Diagnosing a Dog Bitten by a Snake

There are over 3,000 species of snakes worldwide, and over 600 of these are venomous, according to National Geographic. Vipers, pit vipers, rattlesnakes, sea snakes and coral snakes all pose a threat to dogs and humans alike. If you are unable to identify the snake species that bit your dog, your vet's expertise in assessing and treating your pup is even more important.

If you aren't sure what type of snake bit your dog, the vet will apply treatment based upon the observation of bite wounds and the presence of compatible clinical signs. There is no veterinary lab test to check for the presence of venom, but your vet will want to run lab work to determine the extent of any damage to the internal organs and blood cells.

How to Treat a Snake Bite on a Dog

Different bites may be treated with a combination of antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, anti-venom (when appropriate) and fluid therapy to counter potential hypotension or shock. Artificial ventilation may also be warranted if your dog's respiratory distress is not alleviated with medications.

Although only 0.06% of people die following a snake bite, almost a third of dogs do. What makes a dog likely to survive? The site of the bite is important, as dogs with bites on limbs and tails tend to fare better than dogs with bites to the face or body. If the bite occurs on the face, the tongue or the throat, swelling is a serious side effect that can prove deadly if the airway becomes obstructed. Other factors that may influence survival include the dog's size and the time that lapses between the bite and veterinary intervention.

Source: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice

Preventing Dog Snake Bites

If you live in a region that has a known species of poisonous snakes, you may be particularly cautious to keep your dog from getting bitten by a snake. Here are some helpful tips to keep your dog from getting bitten:

• Don't let your dog dig or stick their head underneath rocks, trees or other places that snakes like to hide.
• Do not let them swim in grassy areas of water where water snake nests might exist.
• When walking your dog out in the bush, try your best to stay on trails and do not let your dog wander too far from your side. If you notice them trying to sniff at something, pay careful attention. Snakes tend to not attack unless they feel that they are in danger. A curious pup sniffing this strange creature could be seen as a threat.
• Also, keep in mind that snakes are cold-blooded creatures, which means that they regulate their body temperature with the environment around them. This could mean avoiding cool areas on hotter days or warm spots on cooler days.
• Consider using pet-safe snake repellent in your yard, especially if you live near a body of fresh water.
• Eliminate items that attract sources of food for snakes. For example, bird feeders may attract rodents that eat the fallen seeds. Pay attention to anything in your yard that might attract small animals like mice or rabbits.
• Snakes track their prey based on vibrations. Large amounts of vibration will scare them away. If you encounter a snake, try stomping loudly to scare them away. However, try not to get to close to avoid getting bitten yourself.

Should you notice that your dog is showing signs of a snake bite, remember to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Immediate action can save your dog's life.