A snake bite can be very dangerous, in some cases deadly if the snake has poison, for that reason, act quickly and applying first aid techniques will be essential to keep him alive.
In this article on our site we will explain what to do if a snake bites your dog helping you identify a poisonous snake and explaining the steps to follow that you must perform.
How to tell the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous snakes?
When a dog encounters a snake he may 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, it can bite the legs and belly area.
Recognizing a poisonous snake It is essential to know what first aid to apply, we explain how to do it below:
- Culebras: snakes can become very large, reaching a meter in length, and have round pupils, small teeth and scales big on the head They do not have poison, although first aid techniques should still be applied.
- Vipers: Unlike snakes, vipers have smaller scales on their heads, are smaller, and have enlarged pupils, like cats. In addition, the fangs are noticeably longer. 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 really was a snake that has bitten your dog, the symptoms it presents will help you to know.
Symptoms of a NON-poisonous sting
- The bite is U-shaped.
- The dog does not show serious signs of pain, even though we manipulate the area.
- The bite is almost superficial.
- Nonvenomous snakes are generally diurnal.
Symptoms of a poisonous sting
- 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 lesions 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 feeling.
- Venomous snakes are generally nocturnal and crepuscular.
How to treat a snake bite in dogs
Below we explain the step by step you should follow if your dog is bitten by a non-venomous snake:
- Contact your trusted veterinarian to explain your case.
- Shave the hair from the bitten area with a dog razor, but if you don't have one use one for human use.
- Clean the wound gently with soap diluted in water.
- Cover the wound with a dressing or gauze pad that you will secure with tape.
- Observe the symptoms the dog is showing for 3-4 hours.
The next thing you should do is go to the vet, who will probably prescribe antibiotics and, in some cases, a tetanus shot may be necessary.
Protocol will vary if it is a poisonous snake:
- Reassure your dog by asking him to lie down while you calm him down.
- Contact the vet and explain the situation to know what steps to take.
- Shave your dog's fur with a razor if possible, except if the sound of the razor upsets him excessively.
- Clean the wound with soap diluted in water.
- Avoid giving him water or offering him medication of any kind, except if the veterinarian has recommended it.
- 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 you make a tourniquet:
- 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 a limb you will not be able to do it.
- Every 10 or 15 minutes remove the tourniquet for 5 minutes, this way you will avoid damaging the tissues and allow irrigation of the limb.
- See a vet within a maximum of two hours, otherwise the dog may lose its limb and even its life.
