Dealing with Snake Bite on Dogs

Snake bite by a venomous snake can be a life threatening danger to dog of any size. When we humans encounter a snake, we usually avoid the snake a walk away but pets are different. Since they are not aware of how dangerous it can be, they will try to harass the dangerous limbless reptile and get bitten as a result. The present article reflects on how to prevent snake bites and what you can do in case your pet dog gets bitten by snake:

Preventive Options:

• You can train your dog to stay away from snakes and you can teach them that they have to look at you when they spot a snake.
• While hiking with your dog, you can choose open paths where there are less chances of finding a snake.
• Keep your dog away from rocky outcrops and high grasses.
• Keep control of your dog while walking in the habitat of snakes.
• Don’t allow your dog to explore holes under rocks or logs as snakes may be present there.
• If you are living in an area where chances of finding venomous snakes are high, you should get your dog vaccinated. Snake-bite vaccination is venom specific and is not suitable to be given to cats.
• Get familiar with venomous and non venomous snakes in your area.
• Keep your yard clean and tidy. Cut the overgrown grasses.
• Always keep your dog on leash when you are walking with him.
• Don’t make the conditions around you favorable for the growth of snake. Spilled food, fruit seeds etc. may attract the snakes to live in your area.
• Remembering the emergency contact number of your vet is a good idea.

Identifying snake bite:

Your dog has been bitten by snake if he is showing some of the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Intense pain
• Dead tissue around the wound
• Local or general swelling
• Bleeding
• Low blood pressure
• Weakness
• Dilated pupils not responsive to light
• Blood in the urine
• Renal failure
• Panting

What to do if your dog has been bitten by a snake:

First, learn what NOT to do:

• Don’t apply a tourniquet
• Don’t try to suck the venom out
• Don’t try to cut the X mark
Instead, do these:

• First of all, keep calm
• Restrict the movement of your dog.
• Administer an antihistamine to ensure that the allergic reaction from snake bite doesn’t spread
• Temporary airway support should be given if the bite was to the throat
• Administer pain killer
• Medication for infection should be given
• Take him to the vet. Vet will administer antivenin. Hospitalization may be necessary in case of snake bite.

Someone has well said that prevention is better than cure. Staying vigilant while taking your dog to place where venomous snakes may be present may save your dog from the deadly bite.