Suburban or city dogs might never have to cross paths with a snake. However, dogs in rural areas are exposed to the creatures, and every once in a while, a dog gets bitten by a snake. Snakebites on dogs are also common when pet owners take their furry friends for outings like camping, hunting, and hiking. Continue reading this piece to learn about dog snakebites.

Flowers and sun are not the only things coming out in springtime. Many animals, some of which may be harmful, also come out of hibernation as the warmer months arrive. While many other animals are harmless for pets, others, like snakes, can pose a danger and health risks for your furry friends.

You need to be wary of places with snakes if you frequently take your dog(s) out to play or seek prey. Snakes are usually present in warm places like grasslands, forests, and swamps. There may even be snakes in your backyard and you should know how get rid of them.

Snake and Dog Encounter- An Overview

Most snakes are harmless to your dog and you. So, leaving the place is the best thing to do when you’re out and see a snake. Usually, non-venomous snakes continue on their path, and you do not see them again.

On the other hand, venomous snakes are dangerous, and you should avoid encounters at all costs. If you cross paths with one, handling the situation carefully and cautiously is important. Ideally, you should report to a police department or local animal control if you frequently see the same venomous snake. Plan B would be to research how to take out a venomous snake safely.

How to Keep Your Property Snake-Free

Here are some things you should do to keep snakes away from your property.

• Check your house’s foundation for unsealed areas with incoming and outgoing pipes
• Fix the basement doors if they are not already sealed properly
• Seal any ground-level openings in the house
• Check the spots where your home connects to the deck, including the porch and steps
• Remove debris, wood, and rock piles
• Trim undergrowth and long grass
• Repair cracks in storage sheds and near-the-ground openings

Use Dog-Safe Snake Repellents

Snake repellents provide an easy and effective solution to prevent snakes from entering your home. You may especially need them if you have long grasses and plants in your backyard that can give snakes a hiding place.

With so many snake repellents on the market, choosing one with specifications that suit your needs is important. For instance, you will need to find one that can specifically deter the snake type most common in your region.

Ultrasonic snake repellers are the most effective as they have the highest strength to prevent snakes from entering your home and garden. These solar-powered products emit a certain vibration to scare away deadly ground snakes. The snake repellers have a variable vibrating pattern to ensure maximum discomfort for snakes without harming them.

Picking a dog-safe snake repellent is another essential considering factor for dog parents. EnviroBug Powerful Solar Snake Repellers do not scare away pets while ensuring their and your entire family’s safety.

What Does A Snake Bite Look Like on a Dog? Dog Snake Bite Symptoms

It is better to avoid jumping in if the snakebite takes place in front of you. From a safe distance, observe the snake and its appearance. Describing the snake’s appearance can help the veteran treat your dog’s snakebite better and more quickly.

In most cases, dogs get bit by snakes on their legs, face, or neck. However, snakes can attack any part of the body. Typically, snakebites on the face pose a greater health threat than when a snake bites your dog on the legs. That said, you should provide immediate medical assistance to your dog in case of snakebite, even if it is non-venomous or on the leg.

Symptoms (Non-Venomous Snake Bite)

• Swelling around the bite
• Puncture wounds created by the fangs
• Pain on the site of the bite

Symptoms (Venomous Snake Bite)

• Significant swelling that spreads quickly
• Bleeding in the bite wound

Can a Snake Bite Kill a Dog?

Snakes are poisonous or not, while a snake bite from both can cause an infection and require treatment. In fact, non-poisonous snakebites can cause much more pain and a serious infection in the wound sometimes. Poisonous snakebites, on the other hand, are not always fatal. While the risk of venom injection after a snakebite is always there, it necessarily doesn’t always happen.

That said, venomous snake bites are fatal, posing a danger to your dog’s life. A venomous snakebite from a water moccasin, copperhead, or rattlesnake can kill a dog within an hour, given that it receives no treatment.

However, immediate veterinary attention is usually helpful for treating non-venomous and venomous snakebites.

Can a Garter Snake Hurt a Dog?

Numerous snake species falling in the Thamnophis genus are commonly known as garter snakes. Garter snakes differ from one another in color and appearance. However, you can identify a garter snake from its slimmer and longer body than other snakes. They can grow up to three feet long. Additionally, garter snakes have colorful yellow, red, or white stripes. Garter snakes are commonly found in wetlands, grasslands, forests, and gardens.

These snakes usually prefer passing on upon feeling threatened by predators like dogs. But, they may bite if they are too concerned about their safety. Garter snakes are mildly venomous and do not generally present any health concerns for humans. However, venom can be dangerous for small animals and amphibians.

Therefore, there is a chance that your dog might experience some toxicity if bitten by a garter snake. While garter snakes can hurt your dog, leading to a wound and infection, garter snake bites are not too serious. In fact, dogs can recover even without veterinary treatment. Pet owners can wash the bite wound with soap and water to prevent infection.

Bottom Line

Both non-venomous and venomous snakebites on dogs require immediate veterinary assistance. Snakebites can lead to an infection that can spread immediately and rapidly if left untreated. You will initially notice a bite wound and mild swelling after a snake bite. The swelling can increase with time if you do not give your dog first aid. Not to mention, venomous snake bites can kill within an hour if you don’t treat them immediately. The sooner your dog receives medical treatment, it can start feeling better.