How to Treat a Boa Constrictor Bite

Boa constrictors are nocturnal reptiles that can grow up to 13 feet in length, according to the Canadian Museum of Nature. Their diet consists mostly of small mammals, such as mice or rats. The snakes are not poisonous and slaughter their prey by grasping them in their jaws and crushing it. While boa constrictors are nonthreatening to humans, there is the chance that by keeping the exotic reptile as a pet, you can receive a snake bite.

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the puncture wound immediately. Use fresh, clean water along with a mild anti-bacterial soap.

    • 2

      Dry the area with a soft, dry cloth. Make sure you do not apply too much pressure on the wound or you could make it worse.

    • 3

      Examine the wound carefully. Make sure the boa constrictor's teeth did not come off and still in your wound.

    • 4

      Cover the wound with a simple bandage. Apply gauze dressing on the bite if necessary.

    • 5

      Get a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the past five years.

    • 6

      Seek immediate medical treatment if you experience numbness, tingling, or burning in the area around the bite. Get medical treatment right away if you experience vomiting or nausea, trouble breathing, or swelling within half an hour after the bite.

    • 7

      Monitor the wound over the next few days. Watch for drainage or redness around the wound or red blotches going away from your injury toward your heart. See a doctor right away if any abnormalities arise.