How Do You Determine If Your Dog Has Suffered A Snake Bite?

What are the telltale symptoms and signs that indicate a snake bite in a dog? Snake bites in dogs can manifest in various ways, and recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely intervention. Initially, you may notice your dog experiencing a sudden collapse followed by a seeming recovery. This might be accompanied by signs of lethargy, muscle tremors, shaking, and a decrease in eye blinking. Other concerning indicators include dilated pupils, a sudden onset of weakness or wobbliness (known as ataxia), complete paralysis, and an inability to control bladder and bowel functions. In some cases, irregular bleeding may occur from the nose, the site of the bite, or the mouth. Being aware of these symptoms is essential for pet owners to ensure their dog receives prompt medical attention in the event of a snake bite. (Published: January 12, 2023)

If you suspect that your dog has been bitten by a snake, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms. These may include indications such as a headache, light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, you might notice continued bleeding and your dog having unsteady back legs. In severe cases, there could be a physical collapse, although recovery usually occurs within half an hour. It’s important to seek immediate veterinary attention if you observe any of these signs. This information was last updated on August 1st, 2022.

What does a snake bite look like? The appearance of a snake bite can vary significantly based on the species of snake responsible for the bite and the individual’s reaction to the venom. However, there are common signs and symptoms to be aware of:

1. Puncture Marks: Typically, a snake bite will leave puncture marks at the site of the wound. These marks may be quite small, especially with bites from smaller snakes, or more pronounced with larger ones.

2. Skin Changes: Around the bite area, you may notice several skin changes, including:

   • Redness: The skin around the bite often becomes red due to the irritation caused by the venom.
   • Swelling: Swelling can occur as the body’s response to the venom. The degree of swelling can vary.
   • Bruising: In some cases, the bite site might develop bruising, which could spread beyond the immediate area.
   • Bleeding: There may be some bleeding from the wound, although this is more common with certain snake species that have venom affecting blood clotting.
   • Blistering: Blisters might form around the bite, particularly if the venom causes significant tissue damage.

3. Pain and Tenderness: A snake bite typically leads to severe pain and tenderness at the location of the bite. This discomfort can spread to nearby areas and intensify over time.

It’s important to note that not all snakebites result in venom injection, and some snakebites can be “dry,” meaning no venom is released. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you’ve been bitten by a snake, regardless of the visible symptoms. Additionally, knowing the type of snake that bit you can help medical professionals provide the appropriate treatment, so if possible, try to remember the snake’s characteristics or take a photo from a safe distance to aid in identification.

• Collapse followed by apparent recovery.
• Lethargy.
• Muscle tremors, shaking, and reduced eye blinking.
• Dilated pupils.
• Sudden onset of weakness/wobbliness (ataxia)
• Complete paralysis.
• Inability to control bladder and bowels.
• Irregular bleeding from the nose, bite site, mouth.

• Indication your dog has a headache.
• Light sensitivity.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Continued bleeding.
• Unsteady back legs.
• Physical collapse, with recovery in under half an hour.