Can dogs survive snake bite without treatment?

When it comes to an animal’s safety, one of the most common worries is the potential for a snake bite. While it is true that venomous snakes are a threat to many animals, including humans, it is possible for dogs to survive a snake bite without treatment. This blog post will explore the various ways dogs can survive a snake bite and the potential risks associated with not seeking immediate medical treatment. Although dogs are naturally curious and may explore places where they can come into contact with snakes, they can also be equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves in the event of a snake attack. In addition to understanding the physical dangers of a snake bite, owners should also be aware of the potential psychological effects of a snake attack on their pet. Ultimately, understanding how to prevent snake bites and how to respond if a snake bite does occur is key to ensuring a pet’s safety.

How are dogs treated for rattlesnake bites?

The veterinarian will give your dog an injection of antivenom to ensure their survival following a rattlesnake bite. Other medications can include anticonvulsants, antihistamines, pain relief, and anti-inflammatories.

Your dog might also get oxygen support, corticosteroids, IV fluids, and antibiotics for more severe bites to stop infections, tissue damage, and shock-related symptoms.

Can dogs survive rattlesnake bites without treatment?

Some dogs can survive rattlesnakes without treatment, but it’s rare and will depend on many different factors. Rattlesnakes, and the Eastern Diamondback in particular, are the most venomous snakes in the United States, so prognosis without treatment is usually very dire for a dog.

Most veterinarians concur that a dog’s likelihood of surviving a rattlesnake bite will depend on a number of factors, including:

The age and size of the dog: Smaller and older dogs are more at risk and have lower survival rates. Smaller dog breeds have a higher body size to venom ratio so cannot absorb as much of the rattlesnake bite venom as larger breeds could.

The location of the bite: Dogs are more likely to survive rattlesnake bites when they are bitten on the leg or face. Blood supply to these areas will be slower, whereas a bite to the dog’s tongue has a higher rate of fatality.

The strength and volume of venom: Whether a dog lives from a rattlesnake bite will also depend on how much venom was injected. If the rattlesnake hasn’t bitten something in a while, the venom will be stronger and administered in more volume if it’s been saved up for a period of time.

How long it takes to get treatment: The sooner you get medical help the better your dog’s change of survival will be. Ideally you need to get the dog to a vet inside of 30 minutes for the best prognosis.

How active your dog has been since the bite: Your dog has a better chance of surviving a rattlesnake if he’s kept still and calm after the strike. This will slow down his blood flow around the body, meaning the toxins won’t reach the essential organs as quickly.

The bottom line is that your dog may even pass away from a rattlesnake bite if you don’t get them treated right away. This is especially true for smaller dogs because they won’t be able to handle the venom as well as a bigger dog can.

Online estimates state that a dog’s chances of surviving a rattlesnake bite range from 80% to 95%. Without treatment, statistics show that rattlesnake bite dog survival rates are much lower. However, because owners frequently choose not to report the bite to a veterinary clinic, there are no data on survival rates without treatment.

As you might expect, if a dog receives prompt medical attention and the type of bite is as severe as possible, its chances of surviving a rattlesnake bite are significantly increased.

Some dogs will require more time to recover than others, and this is frequently correlated with the size, age, and health of the dog. Recovery depends on how badly internal organ tissue was damaged by the rattlesnake bite, which is the main determining factor.

By being aware of some information regarding rattlesnake behavior, you can increase the likelihood that your dog won’t be bitten in the first place. For example:

Rattlesnake bites in dogs are most common between April and October when the weather is warmer, and encounters are most likely.

Most dogs get bitten by rattlesnakes within yards of their own home, rather than on hikes or camping out in the wilderness.

Dogs tend to be bitten by rattlesnakes after an accidental step or after chasing them due to their in-built prey drive instincts.

The time lapsed between the snake bite and when anti-venom is administered

Animal Emergency Service treats thousands of snake bites per year. It is well known that the survival rate decreases the longer it takes from being bitten to receiving anti-venom. This is because the anti-venom targets unbound toxins in the bloodstream. The longer the time period, the more of the toxin is already bound to the nerves, indicating that the patient’s clinical condition will be more advanced. Our emergency vets can provide first-hand accounts of patients who have survived snake bites despite the odds. However, patients who arrive at the hospital earlier frequently experience shorter hospital stays and higher rates of survival.

Pictured: snake anti-venom from Padula Serums, the most effective on the market today

FAQ

How do you treat a snake bite on a dog at home?

If you notice a bite, wash the area with water to wash away some of the venom. To prevent the spread of venom, keep the wound below the heart and keep your pet as still as you can. Call the veterinary clinic for instructions on how to perform CPR if your pet isn’t breathing. Keep calm.

How do I know if my dog has a snake bite?

Some symptoms and warning signs to watch out for include feeling genuinely ill or vomiting, tremors in the muscles that are noticeable, lack of energy or lethargy, paralysis, and irregular bleeding. Although it can also be a common symptom of other medical conditions, paralysis is a common sign of a snake bite.

Can dogs recover from a snake bite?

Prior to anything else, call your veterinarian right away to inform them of what happened and to let them know you’re on your way. Depending on the location of the bite(s) and the dog’s individual susceptibility to the venom, most animals survive snakebites if treated right away.

How does a dog react to a snake bite?

Symptoms of a non-venomous snake bite Usually, there will be bruising and swelling where the bite was. It’s possible to see two puncture wounds made by the fangs. The bite site is normally very painful. Avoid touching or probing the bite wound because your dog might painfully react.