Dog Snake Bite Symptoms which All Pet Owners Must Know

You are here to discover the common dog snake bite symptoms and how you should do.

Your dog is as smart as a three-year-old! And that brings it to the picture – why children around this age seem to develop a special bond with the dog’s family. Chances are, they communicate using the same language.

Nevertheless, the world can be cruel to your dog if you let it spend the day in the backyard while you’re away. You should be conscious of the snakes and dangers that result in snake bites.

North America is well-known for harboring poisonous snakes of about twenty species, and around 7,000 people residing from there, are victims of snake bites every year. However, not all species are toxic, but a good number of them lead to death.

Not to mention, almost every state in the United States home at least one species of the poisonous snake except for Hawaii and Alaska.

Sadly, there are few reports of how deadly snake bites are to your dogs even though there are many dogs and people who suffer from snake bites every year.

Snake bites are likely to be fatal among pets than human beings due to their lightweight. Chances of protecting your dogs from snake bites are close to zero unless you decide to lock them up, which is also impossible.

For this reason, you must understand the snake species common to your locality. You may also go the extra mile to inquire about the symptoms of snake bites, and how to go about it if you become a victim. Stay tuned.

Dog Symptoms After Snake Bite

Identifying a snake bite on your dog can be downright frustrating as they tend not to show any signs of pain in the early stages.

While the type of venom injection depends on the kind of snakebite, you may end up administering the wrong injection to your dog due to the invisible signs. Even worse, your dog may die within half an hour.

dog snake bite

However, it is still advisable to call a vet, so your dog is assessed for snake bites even with no apparent signs. Waiting too long for symptoms to show will only cause the loss of your dog.

Below are some of the signs that are likely to occur:

Weakness in the hind legs
Respiratory distress
Continuous bleeding from the bite wound
Diarrhea
Trembling or palpitations
Dilated pupils
Vomiting
Bloody urine
Salivation, drooling, foaming
Paralysis leading to coma or failure in respiratory organs

If you can identify the above symptoms, it is possible to save the life of your dog. These signs might be a clue to your dog’s snake bite; therefore, administering anti-venom becomes easier.

Even though vets can relate the type of snakebite using a swab test, you can ease the process by helping out – observe your dog’s symptoms before calling a vet.

Additionally, Brown snakes and Tiger are the most common snake bites in Australia, and dogs attacked by these species, suffer the above symptoms.

Dog Snake Bite Treatment at Home

Poisonous

Visible symptoms of a venomous snakebite include swelling, difficulties in breathing, two fang marks, pain, vomiting, convulsions, and body weakness. Other signs are shock-related, which include white or pale gums, racing heartbeat, among others.
After a bite, treatment must commence immediately. If possible, kill the snake and present it to the vet to faster the identification. Alternatively, try and identify the marks.
Lock up the dog if necessary.
Approach the dog swiftly with an inspiring tone.
Tie the dog using a leash around the neck so that it doesn’t move its head.
If possible, muzzle the dog for safety purposes.
Tie the hair around the bitten area.
Using hydrogen peroxide, disinfect the bitten region.
Take the dog to the veterinarian for further treatment.

Nonpoisonous

Nonpoisonous snakes pose a U-shaped bite, which appears to be so painful. However, if you have problems identifying nonpoisonous snake bite from that of poisonous, please use the toxic remedy.

Keep the dog locked if possible.
Gently approach the dog in a reassuring tone.
Tie the dog using a leash around the neck so that it doesn’t move its head.
If possible, muzzle the dog for safety purposes.
Tie the hair around the bitten area.
Using hydrogen peroxide, disinfect the bitten region.
Take the dog to the veterinarian for further treatment. In case your dog falls unconscious, seek emergency tips before seeing a vet.

Dog Snake Bite Symptoms Timeline

Snake bites can be fatal if not treated immediately. An average of 80 percent of dogs is likely to survive from snake bites only if acted upon quickly. This means that the rate of survival is minimal, which makes pets more vulnerable to snake bites.

If the pet in the picture is slightly injured and treated with immediate action, then the recovery process is likely to last between 24 to 48 hours, which is a maximum of two days.

Recovery will, however, depend on the intensity of the injury. Those whose tissues and internal organs are damaged will take much time to recover, thus subjecting them to prolonged treatment.

Prevention

If you’re staying next to a backyard, make sure that you mow the grass and clear the bushes. Also, observe high standards of hygiene to keep away rodents which seem to be attracted to snakes. Ensure that the chicken feed, as well as compost heap, is well put.

Snakes are more common during the summer, which means you have to keep your dog on a leash as you walk through the thickets to restrict its movement. Be on the lookout if your dog seems to be chasing after something as they tend to be curious by nature.

Cats are naturally stalkers; therefore, they are continuously curious over any moving object. This is very dangerous as it imposes them on snakes and the dangers of snake bites.

Finally, clearing the thickets while burning piles of rubbish occasionally, helps reduce spots that harbor snakes.

Wrap Up

Pets are amazing creatures to be around. Not only are they amazing but also perfect at relieving stress and tension among humans.

You probably wish to have one after learning these facts; however, are you ready to take good care of them?

Not to worry, you may have one for yourself, but most importantly, be aware of dog snake bite symptoms snakes and the dangers they impose on your pets. Note that unkempt backyards are home to snakes.

Snake bites can be fatal and, worse, lead to the untimely death of your pets. You may not be able to get rid of snakes, but at least you can prevent them from harming the pets around your homestead.

I hope that this post on dog snake bite symptoms answers all your questions, which means you don’t have to be a victim of snake bites anymore.