How To Detect and Treat a Snakebite on a Dog

Your dog is a trusted and welcome companion during mountain hikes and walks at nature centers. But as beautiful and scenic as the natural world may be, venomous snakes such as Diamondback rattlers, water moccasins and coral snakes may unwittingly come out of their habitats at an inopportune time.  And when a startled snake meets a curious dog, a snakebite can demand quick thinking and proper action. Just as snakebites can be fatal to humans, they can be fatal or even disfiguring to our canine friends. Snake venom can cause severe pain, numbness, loss of mobility and even loss of limbs.

• If your dog wanders off the path and returns to you in discomfort with difficulty breathing or lameness, check immediately for evidence of snakebite.  Look on the face or legs for swelling and noticeable bite wounds where the snake's fangs may have pierced the skin.
• If you suspect snakebite or find evidence on your dog's body, look around to see if you can see the snake still in the vicinity in order to describe him to the veterinarian. Do not attempt to pick up the snake or interact with it in any way. 
• If the fang marks are on your dog's leg, place a snug band of fabric torn from your shirt around the leg just above the bite wound to slow the spread of venom. Do not attempt to wash the wound or attempt to suck out the venom from the bite.
• Keep your dog as calm and quiet as possible to prevent the spread of venom in the dog's body. Immediately carry him to some form of transportation and get as quickly as possible to the nearest veterinarian's office or animal hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
• To prevent your dog from becoming a snakebite victim, it's best to keep him on a leash even when out on hiking trails. Stay on the path where you can clearly see snakes who may be sunning themselves up ahead. Don't let him romp off the path. That log or rock he may be playfully trying to overturn may cause him to get a snakebite on the nose, face or paw.

Quick action and speedy transportation to veterinary medical care can help your dog avoid death or loss of limb from snakebite.