First Aid for Snakebites

During spring and summer we all spend more time outside with our pets—and pet sitters are able to enjoy the Great Outdoors with their clients’ pets, too. Depending on the area and climate where you live, you have the potential for snakebite to occur. Snakebites come in two “flavors,” poisonous and nonpoisonous. However, all snakebites should initially be considered poisonous.

About Snakes and Snakebites

There are four types of snakes that are venomous in the United States:

1. Copperheads
2. Coral snakes
3. Moccasins (cottonmouth)
4. Rattlesnakes  

These snakes are all vipers except for the coral snake. How damaging or deadly the bite is depends on four factors.

1. Venom toxicity. This can vary with the time of year and the age of snake.
2. Location of the bite and the how much venom was injected. Although most snakebites on pets occur on the front legs and head, bites to the body are usually terminal.
3. Overall size (weight) and health of the pet. All medication is given by size and weight. Thinking of poisons as negative medications helps to understand why the larger the pet the better chance for survival.
4. Length of time between the bite and treatment. This is where the prepared and knowledgeable pet-care professional has control to make a difference. The quicker the initial first aid treatment begins and the sooner the pet is taken to the nearest animal hospital, the better chance of survival.

Nonpoisonous snakebites should not be underestimated.  Nonpoisonous bites exhibit different signs than poisonous snakebites. Generally, there is no localized pain or swelling. Although, nonpoisonous snakes tend to leave the distinctive U-shaped teeth marks, the pet’s hair coat will most likely prevent you from seeing it without closer examination.

You Can Reduce the Risk!

Prevention is key to reducing the risk of snakebite. It is important to know what types of snakes inhabit the areas you and your clients’ pets frequent. Knowing the habits and behaviors of the indigenous snakes you may encounter can reduce your chances of a bite. Dogs should be kept on a leash or under visual control. Keep the phone number of the pet’s veterinarian with you when you have a client’s pet outdoors.

Signs of a Snakebite

Signs of a pet being bitten by a snake include the pet suddenly licking or scratching at the injury site. The pet may even act as if something is biting into it or as if it is trying to get something off of itself because of the severe pain caused by the venom.

Upon closer examination you will find oozing blood from one or two puncture wound sites. In the event of envenomation, signs that begin to present themselves include pain, swelling, redness and bruising or discoloration. Signs can occur very rapidly or they may take several hours to present, depending on the type of snake. Initial first aid treatment includes keeping the pet quiet. Crating them is best option for accomplishing this. Muzzling the pet may be necessary because the pet could be in excruciating pain and could hurt itself or its rescuer (you). Because of the swelling that is likely to occur, muzzling must be constantly monitored and loosened if the snakebite is on the face. The more the pet moves around, the more likely the venom will be absorbed; therefore it is important to reduce a pet’s activity as soon as possible following a bite.

All snakebites should be seen by a veterinarian. Snakes’ mouths are full of bacteria. Even if the pet is not evenomated, the pet will still need basic wound care, antibiotic therapy and possible antivenin treatment.

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© Copyright 2011 by Pet Sitters International. All rights reserved. For reprint permission for this article, contact EllenPrice@petsit.com.