What to do if a snake bites my dog?

A snake bite can be very dangerous, in some cases deadly if the snake has poison, for this reason, acting quickly and applying first aid techniques will be essential to keep him alive.

In this Blog article we will explain what to do if a snake bites your dog, helping you identify a poisonous snake and explaining the steps you must take.

How to differentiate poisonous and non-venomous snakes?

When a dog finds a snake it can try to catch it or catch it, in this case the snake will try to defend itself and attack the animal's face or neck. If, on the other hand, the dog has accidentally stepped on it, he can bite you on the legs and belly area.

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Recognizing a poisonous snake is essential to know what the first aid to apply will be, we explain how to do it below:

• Snakes: Snakes can grow to be very large, reaching a meter in length, and have round pupils, small teeth, and large scales on their heads. They do not have poison, although first aid techniques should also be applied.
• Adders – Unlike snakes, adders have smaller scales on their heads, are smaller, and display elongated pupils, like cats. In addition, the fangs are noticeably longer. Yes they are poisonous.

 

Symptoms of a snake bite in dogs

If you are not sure of the type of snake that has bitten your dog or if it has really been a snake that has bitten your dog, the symptoms that it presents will help you to know.

Symptoms of a non-venomous bite:

• The bite is "U" shaped.
• The dog does not show serious signs of pain, although we manipulate the area.
• The bite is practically superficial.
• Nonvenomous snakes are generally diurnal.

Symptoms of a poisonous bite:

• The bite shows two fangs.
• The dog shows acute pain, especially if we manipulate the wound, and may react defensively.
• Accumulation of fluid in the wound, forming an edema.
• Capillary injuries due to broken capillaries.
• Small hemorrhages.
• Vomiting, diarrhea and tachycardia.
• The dog does not accept food or drink and prefers to lie down.
• The area begins to freeze and lose sensitivity.
• Venomous snakes are generally nocturnal and crepuscular.

How to treat a snake bite in dogs

Here we explain the step by step that you must follow if your dog is bitten by a non-venomous snake:

1. Contact your trusted veterinarian to explain your case.
2. Shave the hair from the bitten area with a dog razor, but if you don't have one, use one for human use.
3. Gently clean the wound with soap diluted in water.
4. Cover the wound with a dressing or gauze that you will secure with tape.
5. Observe the symptoms the dog displays for 3-4 hours.

The next thing you should do is go to the vet, who will probably prescribe antibiotics and, in some cases, the application of the tetanus vaccine may be necessary.

The protocol will vary if it is a poisonous snake:

1. Reassure your dog by asking him to lie down while you calm him down.
2. Contact the vet and explain the situation to know what steps to take.
3. Shave your dog's fur with a razor if possible, except if the sound of the razor disturbs him excessively.
4. Clean the wound with soap diluted in water.
5. Avoid giving him water or offering him medication of any kind, except if the veterinarian has recommended it.
6. Go to the vet.

Remember that a venomous snake bite can kill your dog, which must receive an antitoxin to prevent poison reactions. Only if the vet is very far away, we recommend making a tourniquet:

1. If possible, make a loose tourniquet with the help of a bandage over the wound. However, if the dog has been bitten in an area that is not an extremity, you will not be able to do it.
2. Every 10 or 15 minutes remove the tourniquet for 5 minutes, in this way you will avoid damaging the tissues and allow irrigation of the limb.
3. Go to a veterinarian in a maximum of two hours, otherwise the dog can lose the limb and even his life.