Venomous Snakes and Your Dog: What Every Adventurer Should Know

Adventure comes with the territory. In the backwoods, scouting the field, or exploring a new trail, you and your dog are in your element. But part of being adventure smart is knowing what to look out for, and that includes venomous snakes.

Here’s what you should know about spotting venomous snakes, signs of snakebite in dogs, and how to respond if your pup ever gets bitten.

Common Venomous Snakes in North America
Depending on where you roam, you might encounter:

Rattlesnakes
They are the largest venomous snakes in the U.S. and found throughout the country, in mountains, prairies, deserts and beaches. They usually sun themselves near logs, boulders or other open areas. While they may use their rattles as warning if they feel threatened, they do not always rattle before biting. Give them a wide berth as they can strike very quickly, reaching out one-third or more of their body length from any position.

Copperheads
Found in the Eastern states and as far west as Texas. They inhabit forests, rocky areas and swamps. They’re usually a reddish or gold tan color and the bands on their body are hourglass-shaped or “Hershey-kiss” shaped. They have a deep facial pit between each eye and their nostril. Juveniles have a greenish tip to their tail and are as venomous as adults. Adults grow to between 1.5 to 3 feet long. They are not usually aggressive but will strike if threatened.

Cottonmouths (aka Water Moccasins)
Found in the Southeastern United States, in and around water. Adult cottonmouths are over 4 feet long, and are a dark tan, brown or nearly black color, with darker crossbands. Juveniles have a bolder cross band pattern of brown or orange, with yellow tails.

Coral Snakes
Found in the Southern United States. Often confused with nonvenomous king snakes, these reptiles have alternating bands of red, cream and black. They are found in wooded, sandy or marshy areas, and may hide in leaf piles or burrow into the ground.

Tips to Stay Snake-Safe Outdoors
When you’re outdoors with your active buddy, the last thing you want to do is to watch for signs of snakebite in dogs. Instead, pay attention to these telltale signs, and stay safe instead.

Avoid tall grass, thick brush and leaf piles where snakes hide.
Don’t let your dog climb over rocks or piles of wood where a snake may nest.
Keep your dog by your side. A dog charging ahead might stumble into a snake’s strike zone.
Be cautious near water. Cottonmouths are semi-aquatic and are often found near creeks or ponds.
Teach and enforce commands like “leave it” and “back” so you can hold your dog back from sticking their nose in the underbrush.
Time your outings. Snakes are more active at dawn and dusk, and in warm weather.
Watch your step too. Wear boots and long pants when you’re outdoors.

What If Your Dog Gets Bitten?
If the worst happens and your four-legged friend gets bitten, fast action can save their life. Keep calm and act quickly. Get them to a vet as quickly as possible to get IV fluids and treatment for pain and shock. Antivenom should be given if it’s available and know that multiple doses and extended wound care might be needed. Most dogs will recover with fast, appropriate treatment.

Signs of Snakebite in Dogs
If your dog has wandered off without you and returned with a bite, you may not know what type of snake caused it. If you do see the snake, take a photo of it from a safe distance, which will help your vet provide faster treatment.

It’s unlikely you’ll see the snake bite wound on your pup, because it will be hidden under fur. And your dog may not show any signs for up to 24 hours after it’s bitten. Here are some visible signs of snakebite in dogs:

Swelling at the bite site
Muscle tremors and shaking
Dilated pupils and reduced eye blinks
Weakness or collapse, paralysis
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Irregular bleeding from the nose, mouth or other areas
Bleeding or bruising
Crying out or yelping in pain
Drooling or panting excessively
Weakness, staggering, or collapse
Vomiting (less common)

Even if you don’t see the snake, treat these signs of snakebite in dogs seriously. They may not be related to snake bite, but you should be concerned about them, especially after time outdoors.

What To Do (and Not Do)
Do:
– Make your dog lay or sit. Keep them calm and still.
– Carry them if possible. Movement speeds up the spread of venom.
– Wash the bite with soap and water, and cover it with a dressing, if you can.
– Make a note of the time when you think your dog was bitten and write it down.
– Get to a vet immediately. Call ahead if you can. Send them a photo of the snake if possible.
– Time is critical. Antivenom and emergency care work best the sooner they’re given.

Don’t:
– Don’t try to pick up the snake or try to trap it. Never handle a venomous snake, not even a dead one, or its decapitated head.
– Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Get to a vet right away.
– Don’t cut or slash the area around the bite.
– Don’t apply a tourniquet or suck out the venom.
– Don’t ice the wound or immerse it in water.
– Don’t give your dog any painkillers or other medications unless directed by your vet.

Can You Prevent Snake Bites?
– You can’t remove all risk, but you can reduce it.
– Avoid snake habitats in peak season.
– Train your dog to avoid snakes. Some trainers offer “snake aversion” courses using scent and sight cues.
– Keep your yard trimmed and clear. Tall grass and woodpiles attract snakes.
– If you live in an area where Western Diamondbacks are common, ask your vet about rattlesnake vaccine. It can help reduce the severity of a bite, but it’s not a replacement for treatment.

Rugged Dogs Face Real Risks
Adventurous dogs run up a ridge just because it looks fun. They dive headfirst into brush chasing a scent. But adventure means being smart, too. Protect your dog by knowing what to do when the wild throws something dangerous your way.