Rattlesnake Bites in Dogs

Rattlesnake Bites in Dogs

Were you aware there are seven different types of rattlesnakes in California?  In the San Francisco Bay Area there are three that are most prevalent: the southern pacific rattlesnake, the great basin rattlesnake and the northern pacific rattlesnake.  No matter the type of rattlesnake all are poisonous and potentially deadly to not only humans but to our furry companions.  Dogs are the most at risk as they travel with their owners to locations where rattlesnakes are most likely to be.

Though there is a Rattlesnake Vaccine available there currently are no studies supporting the claims that the vaccine may reduce the severity of a rattlesnake bite or delay the effects long enough to aid in the dogs’ survival and recovery from the bite.  If you think your dog is at a higher risk for rattlesnake bites you should consult your regular veterinarian and decide if your dog would benefit from the vaccine.  Be aware - the only treatment for rattlesnake venom is antivenin.

If you have any concern that your pet has been bitten by a rattlesnake it should be brought to a veterinarian immediately.  Someone should call ahead to ensure that there is antivenin on hand at the hospital you are traveling to.  If they do not have antivenin they will be able to direct you to a hospital that does.

Last summer we had a pug and a bulldog that were bitten by a rattlesnake in their own backyard - in Antioch!  A number of dogs that live near open spaces or walk in them were bitten as well.  All that were given antivenin survived – but the young and the old are the most likely to struggle to survive.  We recently had a 4 month old puppy that was bitten by a rattlesnake brought in to our hospital.  We found the fang marks of the snake on the puppy’s throat.  Despite our best efforts to save the puppy’s life he was unable to handle the trauma of the venom and the bite to his throat.

It is so important for your safety and your dogs to not try and do anything more than wrap a leash tight around the limb that may have been bitten to slow the progress of venom to the heart.  One of our clients informed us the other day that she had seen us a few summers ago and we had saved her dog from a rattlesnake bite.  She said that her husband got rushed to the ER for cardiac arrest while she was bringing the dog in to us.  The husband had tried to suck the venom out of the wound… do not try and attempt this or slicing X’s at the bite site.

The key to survival is antivenin.  The age of the snake, the length of time between the bite and treatment, matters.  Antivenin treatment is an expensive treatment as the antivenin itself is expensive.  This time of year you should be aware of all the risks you face when you go hiking and be prepared for the finances it may take to save your dogs life.  You can lower your dogs risk immensely by keeping them on a short leash on hikes, if you live near or in open areas consider aversion training and/or special snake fencing to keep the snakes out of your yard.

 For further information on this topic, here are some interesting articles:

http://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_snake_bites_and_dogs

http://rattlesnakevaccinefordogs.com/faqs.html

http://voices.yahoo.com/snake-bites-dogs-treatment-prevention-285875.html?cat=53

First Aid Kit for Pets

Important Numbers to have in your Pet’s First Aid Kit within easy reach:

Primary and Emergency Veterinary Phone Numbers

Poison Control Phone Numbers:

Pet Poison Helpline -

General information: (866) 823-1588
Pet Poison Helpline:  (800) 213-6680
Email: info@petpoisonhelpline.com

ASPCA Poison Control Center –

Phone: (888) 426-4435

Medical First Aid Supplies:

-         For wound management:

o       Rolled sterile gauze

o       Ace Bandage

o       Towels

o       Strips of clean cloth

o       Adhesive tape (never use band-aids on pets)

o       Sterile alcohol wipes

o       Antiseptic cleansing wipes

o       Gloves

o       Small bottle of diluted betadine solution to flush wounds

o       Sterile saline solution

o       Large syringe to flush wounds

o       Muzzle to handle animal if painful.  Do not use if dog is coughing, having trouble breathing or vomiting.

o       Leash for dogs, pillow case for cats

-         For illness:

o       Digital Thermometer:

A normal temperature on dogs and cats ranges from 100.1-102.7.  Temperatures need to be taken rectally.

o      Tick Remover

o       Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergic reactions after consulting with your veterinarian for appropriate dosage for your specific animal.

o       Karo syrup (for diabetics or potential low blood sugar)

o       Any additional medications that your veterinarian advises you keep on hand for your pets.

Keep in mind that a First Aid Kit allows you to handle a situation quickly and effectively when you are away from home (on a hiking trip, camping, road trip, etc) to treat your animals before you are able to get them to a veterinarian. 

Never hesitate to call your primary or emergency veterinarian for advice.  For wound care it is important to always have a veterinarian evaluate the wound.  Self treating an injury or illness at home may perpetuate a problem and ultimately cost more than if you had it examined immediately.