You are out for an enjoyable hike when it happens: your dog manages to find a snake nestled in the rocks. Although you call him back, it is too late. He yelps and comes back limping. This is the first time you have ever had to deal with a snake biting your dog. What do you do now?
Have you ever wondered what happens when your furry friend gets bitten by a snake? As a dog owner myself, I’ve always been terrified of encountering slithery creatures during our outdoor adventures Snake bites aren’t just painful for our canine companions—they can be life-threatening emergencies that require immediate action
In this article, I’m gonna share everything you need to know about how snake bites affect dogs, from the first symptoms to treatment options and prevention strategies Whether you live in an area with venomous snakes or just take your pup hiking occasionally, this information could literally save your dog’s life!
How Serious Are Snake Bites for Dogs?
Let’s not sugarcoat it – snake bites can be incredibly dangerous for our four-legged friends. About 80% of dogs can survive a snake bite if treated right away, but the odds drop dramatically without prompt medical attention.
The severity of a snake bite depends on several factors:
- Type of snake: Venomous snakes like rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins, and coral snakes pose the greatest threat
- Size of the dog: Smaller dogs are at higher risk because venom has a more concentrated effect on their bodies
- Location of the bite: Bites to areas with lots of blood vessels (like the face or neck) or directly into an artery are more dangerous
- Amount of venom injected: Some bites deliver more venom than others (and about 15% of pit viper bites are “dry bites” with no venom)
- Time until treatment: The longer the wait before getting medical care, the worse the outcome
Young, elderly, or already sick dogs also face greater risks when bitten by venomous snakes.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Snake Bites in Dogs
One of the trickiest things about snake bites is that you might not even see it happen! Your dog could encounter a snake while exploring tall grass or sniffing around bushes without you noticing. That’s why knowing the symptoms is crucial.
Immediate Signs (Minutes to Hours)
- Sudden collapse followed by apparent recovery (This is actually a serious warning sign that could indicate a lethal dose of venom!)
- Puncture wounds (though these can be hard to spot under fur)
- Swelling around the bite area
- Pain and sensitivity
- Weakness or wobbliness (ataxia)
- Trembling and muscle tremors
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Signs That Develop Later (Hours to Days)
- Bleeding or bruising at the bite site
- Lethargy and depression
- Difficulty breathing
- Paralysis (can progress from extremities toward the trunk)
- Bloody or dark urine
- Inability to control bladder and bowels
- Irregular bleeding from nose, mouth, or bite site
It’s important to note that symptoms can vary depending on the type of snake. For example coral snake bites don’t cause much swelling but affect the nervous system leading to numbness and paralysis.
What Actually Happens Inside Your Dog’s Body?
When a venomous snake bites your dog, it injects toxins that can cause several damaging effects:
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Blood clotting problems: Many snake venoms interfere with your dog’s ability to form blood clots, which can lead to excessive bleeding, both externally and internally.
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Tissue damage: Venom can destroy tissue cells around the bite site, causing pain, swelling, and potential long-term damage.
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Neurotoxicity: Some venoms (particularly from coral snakes) attack the nervous system, leading to paralysis that can eventually affect breathing muscles.
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Organ damage: As venom circulates through the bloodstream, it can damage vital organs like the kidneys, heart, and lungs.
The specific effects depend on the type of snake. For instance, rattlesnake venom primarily causes tissue damage and bleeding problems, while coral snake venom mainly affects the nervous system.
What To Do If Your Dog Gets Bitten By a Snake
If you suspect your dog has been bitten by a snake, every minute counts! Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) do:
DO:
- Stay calm and keep your dog calm too (increased activity speeds up venom circulation)
- Call your veterinarian or emergency vet immediately to let them know you’re coming and to confirm they have antivenom
- Remove collars, harnesses, or anything that might constrict swollen areas
- Keep the bitten area below heart level if possible
- Carry your dog to the car if you can to minimize movement
DON’T:
- Don’t try to catch or kill the snake (you could get bitten too!)
- Don’t apply a tourniquet (this can increase local tissue damage)
- Don’t cut the wound or try to suck out the venom (these old remedies are ineffective and dangerous)
- Don’t apply ice (this can confine venom to one area, increasing local damage)
- Don’t give your dog medications without veterinary guidance
Effective Treatments for Snake Bites in Dogs
At the veterinary clinic, your dog may receive:
- Antivenom – The most important treatment, it directly neutralizes snake venom in the body
- Intravenous fluids – Helps support circulation and kidney function
- Pain medication – Usually opioids, as snake bites are extremely painful
- Oxygen therapy – If breathing is compromised
- Blood products – May be needed if clotting factors are severely affected
- Monitoring and supportive care – Including bloodwork to assess organ function and clotting ability
It’s worth noting that antivenom can be expensive (around $400-800 per vial), and some dogs need multiple vials. However, it’s the most effective treatment and can make the difference between life and death.
Ineffective “Treatments” to Avoid
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about treating snake bites. Here are some approaches that DON’T work and might actually be harmful:
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine) – Snake venom doesn’t cause allergic reactions, so antihistamines don’t help
- NSAIDs – These anti-inflammatory drugs can worsen bleeding problems
- Steroids – Despite what some may believe, corticosteroids don’t help with snake venom
- Electric shocks – An old myth with no scientific basis
- Rattlesnake vaccines – Studies show these aren’t reliably effective
If your vet suggests any of these treatments, it might be worth asking about the current recommended protocol (the Unified Treatment Algorithm) or seeking a second opinion.
Recovery Time and Long-Term Effects
The recovery process after a snake bite varies widely depending on the severity of the envenomation:
- Mild cases with prompt treatment: 24-48 hours of hospitalization, then a few days of rest at home
- Moderate to severe cases: Several days to a week of hospitalization, possibly with longer recovery at home
- Very severe cases: Can take weeks or even months for complete recovery, and some dogs may have permanent damage
Even after the immediate danger has passed, your dog might experience:
- Tissue damage or scarring at the bite site
- Reduced kidney function (usually temporary)
- Weakness that gradually improves
How to Protect Your Dog from Snake Bites
As they say, prevention is better than cure! Here are some ways to reduce the risk of snake encounters:
Around Your Home
- Keep your yard clear of debris, wood piles, and tall grass where snakes can hide
- Fill in holes and gaps in your foundation or under structures
- Remove food sources that attract rodents (which in turn attract snakes)
- Consider snake-proof fencing if you live in a high-risk area
During Walks and Hikes
- Keep dogs on leash in areas known to have snakes
- Stick to clear, well-traveled paths
- Avoid letting your dog stick their nose in holes, bushes, or piles of leaves
- Be extra cautious during warm weather when snakes are most active
Training Options
Some professional trainers offer snake aversion training for dogs, which teaches them to avoid snakes through controlled exposure. This can be particularly useful in areas where venomous snakes are common.
Snake Species and Their Effects on Dogs
Different venomous snakes cause different symptoms:
Pit Vipers (Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, Water Moccasins)
- Cause immediate pain and swelling
- Affect blood clotting
- Can cause tissue damage
- Treated with the same type of antivenom
Coral Snakes
- Don’t cause much local swelling
- Primarily affect the nervous system
- Cause numbness and paralysis that progresses from extremities inward
- Require specific coral snake antivenom (which is different from pit viper antivenom)
Real-Life Stories: Dogs Who Survived Snake Bites
I’ve heard so many heartbreaking stories about dogs and snake encounters. For example, popular Gold Coast snake catcher Tony Harrison lost two of his beloved dogs to a brown snake, despite being a professional who works with snakes daily. This shows that even experts aren’t immune to this danger.
On a happier note, many dogs do survive with prompt treatment. Country music singer Lee Kernaghan’s dog Princess was bitten by an Eastern brown snake but pulled through after receiving emergency care. These stories emphasize the importance of quick action and proper veterinary care.
When to Be Extra Vigilant
Snake activity increases during certain times and conditions:
- Warm seasons: Spring through fall, especially summer
- Time of day: Snakes are more active at dawn, dusk, and night during hot weather
- After rain: Snakes often come out after rainfall
- Specific habitats: Areas near water, rocky outcroppings, and forest edges
Final Thoughts
Snake bites can be terrifying and dangerous for our canine companions, but knowing what to look for and how to respond can literally save your dog’s life. The most important takeaways are:
- Learn to recognize the signs of snake bites
- Know where your nearest emergency vet with antivenom is located
- Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect a snake bite
- Take preventive measures to reduce encounters with snakes
Have you ever had a snake encounter with your dog? Or do you have questions about snake safety? Feel free to share in the comments below!
En Route to Veterinarian for Snake Bite
During travel to the veterinary hospital, keep the bitten part of the dog below the level of the heart, if possible, because this will slow the spread of toxins. Keep yourself and your pet calm. Remember, most snakes are not venomous, but immediate treatment is still the key to a good outcome.
Studies have shown that giving first aid to dogs before taking them to the veterinary hospital does not reduce the amount of care needed nor will it improve the eventual outcome. It is far better to spend that time getting veterinary help as quickly as possible and skipping doing your own first aid for dogs that have been bitten.
Why Do Snakes Bite Dogs?
It is quite easy when your beloved pet has been hurt by a wild animal to immediately blame the critter for the injury. However, most animals—snakes included—will only attack a much larger creature, like a dog, if they feel threatened.
Curious dogs can approach snakes quickly and often come in quite close, making the snake afraid. The snake’s natural reaction is to strike back which results in a bite to your pet. Although it is unfortunate if your dog gets injured, both parties played a role, and the snake most likely acted out of fear.
Fortunately, snake bites to dogs are relatively rare. They usually occur with dogs that hike and explore extensively in rocky areas. Also, many snakes present in North America are nonvenomous. Although a bite may be very painful, no toxin is injected with the wound and severe reactions are uncommon. This isn’t always the case, however.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Bitten by a Snake | Marc Smith, DVM
FAQ
What happens if a snake bites a dog?
A snake bite happens when a snake uses its fangs to puncture a dog’s skin, potentially injecting venom. The severity of the bite depends on whether the snake is venomous or non-venomous. Non-venomous bites typically cause localized pain and swelling, while venomous bites can lead to severe reactions and require immediate vet attention.
How do you know if a dog has been bitten by a snake?
Inspect your dog. If the snake bite was venomous, you’ll see significant swelling in the area where the dog was bitten. Determine whether emergency care is needed. If your dog is having difficulty breathing or has collapsed, get them to an emergency pet clinic right away.
Do dogs attack snakes?
However, most animals—snakes included—will only attack a much larger creature, like a dog, if they feel threatened. Curious dogs can approach snakes quickly and often come in quite close, making the snake afraid. The snake’s natural reaction is to strike back which results in a bite to your pet.
Why does my dog bite a snake?
Curious dogs can approach snakes quickly and often come in quite close, making the snake afraid. The snake’s natural reaction is to strike back which results in a bite to your pet. Although it is unfortunate if your dog gets injured, both parties played a role, and the snake most likely acted out of fear.
Can a dog be bitten by a venomous snake?
No. If your dog was bitten by a venomous snake, the only thing you can do is remove the dog’s collar, keep your dog calm, and head to the closest emergency vet that has antivenom. If you are hiking, carry your dog to your car if you’re able to. If possible, have somebody meet you along the trail to pick you up.
Can dogs survive snake bites?
Luckily, most dogs do survive snake bites—even of the venomous variety—with prompt and aggressive treatment. The types of snakes likely to be involved in a snake bite incident will depend on the part of the country you live in, the lifestyle of your dog, and the resident populations of snakes.
Can dogs survive a snake bite without treatment?
No, dogs generally cannot survive a venomous snake bite without prompt veterinary treatment, as the venom can cause severe, life-threatening damage to tissues and organs. While some non-venomous bites or “dry bites” (where venom is not injected) may heal with minimal issues, most snake bites, especially from venomous snakes, are medical emergencies requiring immediate care to prevent death or severe complications.
How can I tell if my dog got bit by a snake?
How long after a snake bite will a dog get sick?