What to Do if Your Pet Has a Snake Bite

Should you suck out the venom? Rush Fido to the vet ER? Exactly what should you do if your pet suffers a snake bite? Here’s what you need to know to provide the best pet care in Saint Francisville, LA if your furry friend encounters an unfriendly serpent:

• Start with deep breaths: No, not for your pet—for you. The first thing to remember is to remain calm. This will help you provide the best pet care in Saint Francisville, LA for your pet.
• Identify the species: Try to determine if the snake that bit your pet is venomous or nonvenomous. (Only about 20 percent of snake species are venomous, and many of these probably don’t live anywhere near you and your pet.)
• Inspect your pet: Don’t worry—you don’t have to be a snake expert. Check the area where your pet was bitten. If the snake is venomous, you’ll probably see a significant amount of swelling near the bite.
• Choose emergency or non-emergency care: Carefully examine your pet. If he or she is having trouble breathing or has collapsed, you should seek emergency pet care in Saint Francisville, LA. If your pet is not experiencing these extreme responses, contact your vet to determine next steps. Keep in mind that it may take up to 24 hours for snake bite symptoms to appear.
• Look for symptoms: Common snake bite symptoms for pets include swelling, puncture wounds, bleeding, bruising, trembling, dilated pupils, diarrhea, bloody urine, vomiting and paralysis. These reactions may differ depending on the type of dog and the location of the bite on the body.
• Consult with a vet for treatment: Your vet will give your pet an exam to determine if and where he or she was bitten. The vet can then recommend the best pet care in Saint Francisville, LA to treat the bite. This might include cleaning the bite wound, antibiotics, Benadryl, intravenous fluids, pain medication, antivenom, vaccine, steroids or supplemental oxygen.
• Prevent future incidents: Take steps to keep your pet’s (and your!) home free of snake invasion. Seal any openings in your home at ground level. Check your deck, step and porch areas for snakes. Do not keep piles of debris or wood on your property. Keep your grass cut short. Check your foundation for any areas around pipes that may be unsealed. Make sure all basement windows and doors seal properly. Taking these precautions will reduce the chances that snakes will live on your property or enter your home, which will reduce your pet’s risk of snake bites.

Get top care for your pet

If you suspect your pet has suffered a snake bite, don’t hesitate to contact the animal experts at St. Francisville Animal Hospital. We’ve been the go-to source for pet owners throughout the area since 1984. Our professional team specializes in all veterinarian services, including surgery, examinations, vaccinations, emergencies and more. Can’t make it to our clinic? We’ll come to you! We are dedicated to top pet care in Saint Francisville, LA. Reach us today at 225-635-6681.

Categorised in: Pet Safety