12/01/2025
WE ARE IN SNAKEBITE SEASON !
Please familiarise yourself with common venomous species in your area…as well as the best course of action, before and after a snake bite (Snakebite Album 1)
For many city dwellers snakes and snake bites are not a very common occurrence, yet, still possible.
In rural and agricultural areas snakes are usually quite common and fulfill a very necessary role in nature, controlling the numbers of rodents, amphibians ect.
Snakes will usually move off or depend on their camouflage to escape harm. Very often a confrontation with a dog will not allow either option, and the snake will bite when bitten, hurt or captured.
Venom does not get injected with every bite - a "dry bite" may occur when a venomous snake bites, but does not release venom. Usually in these cases, no symptoms are displayed and the recipient will recover without harm. Always remember, secondary infection at the site of a bite may introduce bacteria into the body, which may well develop in a problematic situation that needs treatment.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SNAKE BITES ON DOGS:
Although there are subtle differences between the symptoms and signs depending on the breed of snake, the main signs of a dog snake bite include:
- Collapse followed by apparent recovery
- Lethargy
- Muscle tremors, shaking and reduced eye blinking
- Dilated pupils
- Sudden onset of weakness/wobbliness (ataxia)
- Complete paralysis
- Inability to control bladder and bowels
- Irregular bleeding from the nose, bit site, mouth
- Discoloured, dark urine (often bloody)
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF SNAKE BITES ON DOGS?
- Snake bit sites can be difficult to identify on dog
- Dogs may not show symptoms immediately after being bitten, but may have received a fatal dose of envenomation
- The longer the dog snake bit is left untreated, the more advanced the clinical signs and the lower the chance of survival
- The dangers of snake bites on dogs are high due to their natural hunting instincts
- The only way to identify a snake is to count the scales of the physical snake or perform a snake detection test in clinic
- Not all veterinary practices stock snake anti-venom, it is essential to ring ahead
- Snake venom can compromise the dog’s blood coagulation (clotting) and can cause them to bleed to death
- Snake bites can cause internal damage to kidneys, muscles, and the respiratory system
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY DOG HAS BEEN BITTEN BY A SNAKE?
- A dog’s reaction, signs or symptoms from being bitten by a snake can be varied and not appear clinically significant for up to 24 hours after the bite occurs. For this reason, it can be difficult to know if your dog has been the victim of a snake bite. Even the most experienced emergency vet may be unable to tell that your dog has been bitten by a snake based on these symptoms alone, and will need to perform testing with a snake identification kit upon arrival.
- If you have witnessed your dog being bitten by a snake, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention – the longer your dog goes without treatment, the lower the rate of survival. If you have seen your dog playing with a snake, and your dog collapses but then gets up immediately and appears to be fine – call your nearest veterinarian to check if they have snake anti-venom as it is likely your dog has been bitten.
NB - IF POSSIBLE, SAFELY COLLECT THE SNAKE, ALIVE OR DEAD, AND SHOW IT TO YOUR VETERINARIAN FOR POSITIVE ID.
CONTACTING A SNAKE EXPERT FOR A SECOND OPINION (OR FIRST) IS ALWAYS A GOOD OPTION.
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WHAT DO I DO IF MY DOG IS BITTEN BY A SNAKE?
Top first aid tips for snake bites on dogs:
- Do not panic, and keep your dog calm
- Seek veterinary assistance immediately
- Phone your local vet and let them know you are on your way (in case they do not stock snake anti-venom they will be able to point you towards a vet that does)
- If it is at all possible, apply a firm bandage above, below, and over the site of the bite (if you know where your dog has been bitten). This assists in stopping the venom from spreading to the heart
- If the bite wound is on the face or neck, remove your dog’s collar as the area may swell
- Attempt to reduce your dog’s movement and activity
DON'TS:
- Try not to over-excite your dog, as this can worsen the effects of the venom due to the adrenaline running through the body.
- Do not attempt to suck the venom out of the dog’s bite wound – if you have an open wound in your mouth and the venom enters your bloodstream, this could be lethal.
- Don’t apply a tourniquet, as this stops the supply of fresh blood to the limb causing major health problems (which could include causing the limb to die).
__________________________________HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE A SNAKE BITE TO KILL A DOG?
This question is not a straight-forward one to answer – your dog’s survival rate depends on a number of factors including the type of snake, how much venom has been injected, and the time lapsed between the snake bite and when anti-venom is administered. Each pet responds differently to the venom effects on musculoskeletal and respiratory systems and kidney damage. The most common cause of death from a snake bite is paralysis of the respiratory (breathing) muscles which can happen within 1 hour to 24 hours after the bite.
HOME TREATMENT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A LAST ALTERNATIVE WHEN DISTANCE TO VET, OR OTHER PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS ARISE.
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH SNAKES FOUND IN YOUR AREA.
SHOULD YOU STILL WISH TO BE ABLE TO APPLY HOME TREATMENT IN EMERGENCIES, OBTAIN AN EMERGENCY KIT FROM YOUR VET AND MAKE 200% SURE YOU KNOW HOW TO USE IT.
