Contrary to the common misconception, dogs are hardly immune to the venom of rattlesnakes. That’s why it is imperative and quite critical to know how to recognize whether a rattlesnake has bitten your favorite furry companion and what to do in the unfortunate event that the reptile has crossed paths with your dog.
Before delving into what to do when the reptile bites your dog, you should first be in a position to recognize symptoms specific to rattlesnakes’ bites. This way, you can help your veterinarian better understand the species of rattlesnake that may have bitten your dog, consequently improving the animal’s chances of survival. Here are some of the symptoms to look for;
- Excessive Swelling
A bite from a rattle is usually hemotoxic, i.e., it simply means that once the rattlesnake has delivered a dose of the venom, the toxin causes severe disruption to one’s blood vessels, thereby leading to the body part in question swelling excessively, something that could lead to necrosis if not promptly addressed. Typically, this swelling from the rattlesnake bite tends to appear immediately and persist for 36 hours.
- Two Separate Puncture Wounds
You can tell that a rattlesnake has bitten your dog by examing the wound closely. Usually, the injury left behind by the snake’s two fangs bears a characteristic hallmark of evenly spaced apart puncture holes. Moreover, the bite will bleed profusely due to the anti-coagulant properties of rattlesnake’s venom, which interferes with the pet’s blood clotting mechanisms. Actually, this can easily and quickly result in excessive bleeding leading to death or shock if left unattended.
How to Respond to a Rattlesnake Bite
- Move Your Dog as Far Away as Possible From the Snake
The first course of action to take is to move your dog as far away as possible from the snake. Do not attempt to move, kill, or even take a photo of the snake. Remember that this is a highly venomous snake and a single bite has the potential to inflict a life-changing injury.
- Contact Your Nearest Emergency Veterinary Office
Do not panic. Instead, contact an emergency veterinarian as soon as you and the dog are safe enough from the reptile. At this stage, it is imperative to remain calm and explain the situation to your veterinarian as clearly as you can remember. Also, ensure that the dog is comfortable and keep the bite wound lower than the heart if you can.
References: VetEmergencyGroup, VetsoftheRockies
