You are out for a leisurely hike with your dog, and before you know it, he lets out a yelp while sniffing some brush. He has been bitten by a rattlesnake. Do you know what you would do?
Make sure you know the basics of snake bite care so that you can help your pet if ever you find yourself in this situation.
Here’s a good list to help you out:
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Know thy enemy. Steer clear of tall grass, bushes, and rocks when out and about. Clean up things in your yard that may attract rodents (snake food!) and keep areas where you walk free of brush and weeds. Snakes can strike from a distance of half of their body length, so keep that in mind when navigating suspicious terrain.
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Recognize a bite. If you don’t see it happen, make sure you know what a bite might look like. There is often localized swelling (usually on the face, legs, or paws), bleeding, and pain in the area. Low blood pressure may cause weakness and pale membranes.
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Know your plan of action. If your pet is bitten by a snake, do not waste time trying old wives tails such as “sucking” out the venom, applying ice, or placing tourniquets. Get in your car and get to a veterinarian immediately. Time is of the essence. Stay calm and keep the bite below heart level if possible.
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Protect your pet. Teach your dog to come when called (so that you can steer him or her clear of danger) and always walk on a leash if possible. If you live in an area that has rattlesnakes, consider vaccinating your pet. Vaccines should be administered 1 month before snake season begins, or every 6 months if snakes are present year round.
- Understand the treatment. A pet that has been bitten needs to be given intravenous fluids in order to maintain blood pressure. It is also vital that the pet receive antivenin, an infusion of antibodies to rattlesnake venom. This infusion is only effective for the first 4 hours after a bite occurs, one of the main reasons that it is so important to seek immediate care.