Treatment for Canine Snake Bites

According to the online magazine "Dogs Life," more than 60,000 dogs in Australia and approximately 15,000 dogs in the United States are bitten each year by poisonous snakes. Most of these bites occur on the face or neck as the dog is usually harassing or attacking the snake. While some veterinary professionals estimate a 5 percent overall fatality rate, Dr. Michael Schaer, DVM, at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine says in his 22 years of practice he's seen a 20 percent fatality rate in canines bitten by eastern diamondback and eastern coral snakes.

  1. Control Shock Immediately

    • Snake bites -- especially those from copperheads -- cause extreme pain for dogs. Their bodies naturally go into shock in an effort to protect them from further danger. If your dog can walk from the scene to your vehicle for transportation to the veterinarian, do so at a slower pace. Do not march your dog out of the area because the increased adrenaline rush may cause the venom to activate further. If you can, pick your dog up and carry it out. Covering your dog with a blanket will help it maintain its body temperature.

    Identify Venon Type

    • Knowing what type of snake bit your dog is essential information to provide your veterinarian. Bites from different snakes require specific antivenin treatments. If possible, capture or kill the snake and bring it with you. At bare minimum, get an accurate mental picture or snap one with your cell phone camera. However, don't spend much time doing so because it is more important to get your injured canine medical treatment.

    What Not To Do

    • Old Western movies are chock full of examples of what not to do in a snake bite emergency. Do not use your pocket knife to create an "X" over the bite wound. Do not try to suck the venom out yourself. Your dog is not going to understand that you are trying to help and most likely will bite at you out of instinctive self defense.

    Fight Against Tissue Damage

    • The protein enzymes in snake venom destroys flesh tissue and cause blood clotting deficiencies. Scientists have identified 25 different enzymes in snake venom and have created specific antivenin treatments to counter the affects of these. That is why getting your dog to a veterinary facility where these treatments can be administered is crucial. It is the most effective way to prevent permanent damage to your pet's cardiopulmonary, nervous or coagulation systems.

    Trust the Professionals

    • Veterinarians have an array of treatments at their disposal. Some snake bites require antivenin treatments and veterinarians are trained in the administrative protocol of these fluids. Most veterinary facilities in snake country maintain stocks of these fluids. The dog may need intravenous fluids to support maintenance of their compromised bodies. The sedative effect of antihistamines can help calm and control the frightened canine. Frequently, blood work is required to monitor for organ damage as kidneys are susceptible up to 72 hours after the bite. It is best to defer treatment decisions to a professional trained in canine health.

    Prevent a Secondary Infection

    • At-home care is a crucial part of the healing process. Some snake bite wounds can be deep into sensitive tissue, increasing exposure risks. Keeping bandages on a dog is a challenge because dogs naturally want to lick their wounds. Keeping the wound clean and free from bacterial exposure is essential until the skin is completely healed. You need to monitor your dog on a regular basis and perhaps limit your activities outside the home for a few days. Consider yourself a canine babysitter.

    Prevention

    • Keeping your dog on a leash and near you during outings such as hikes is the best way to keep its interaction with snakes to a minimum. Dogs allowed to explore without limits, sniffing in holes and digging under logs, rocks or raised boardwalks, are prime targets for a bite from a startled snake. It is best to stay on maintained pathways and avoid trailblazing.