According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), “a snake bite is always considered an emergency—a venomous snake bite can be fatal if not treated immediately, and even a bite from a non-venomous snake can be dangerous for your pets.” Snake bite season in Southern California is usually between March and October.
I read an article the other day that mentioned a vaccination for snake bite venom. I had never heard of such a thing, so I checked with my vet (Rancho Mesa Animal Hospital). They confirmed that the vaccine does exist, but they have chosen not to carry it for at least two reasons:
- It is not that effective. It does not protect against the venom. Instead, it works to slow it down, which can provide more time to get the pet to the vet.
- The vaccination might give the owner a false sense of security, which could result in the pet being allowed to be in dangerous situations or environments, thinking the pet was safe if it did meet a snake. That is false and dangerous thinking.
If you decide you want the vaccine, call around, some vets in the area do carry it.
The best protection against snake bite always has been, and still is, prevention. Follow these steps to safe-guard your pet from this ever present danger:
- Clean up your yard. Undergrowth, toys, tools can be inviting places for snakes to rest
- Keep brush, flowers and shrubs clear of walkways.
- Spilled food, fruit or bird seed, can attract rodents—and therefore snakes—to your yard.
- Keep your pet on a leash and close to you when walking.
- Keep your pet clear of long grasses, bushes and rocks where snakes could be resting.
- If you see a snake, head back the way you came. They can strike across a distance equal to about half their body length.
- Know which snakes are common in your area. Snake identification could help with the pet’s treatment if it is bitten.
Suspect snake bite if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms:
- Swelling or bleeding, especially of mouth or paws. These are sometimes hard to spot with thick coats.
- Your pet appears to be in pain: pacing, panting, whining, etc.
- Low blood pressure, general weakness or lethargy
If you even suspect that your pet has been bitten, do this:
- First: stay calm.
- Limit your pet’s activity and do your best to keep him calm.
- If possible, elevate the bite area.
- It is imperative to seek immediate veterinary care for your pet.
- Do not attempt to treat the bite yourself. Cold packs, ice, tourniquets, alcohol, bleeding the wound and trying to suck out venom waste time that you may not have.
- Be safe. Do not try to catch, kill or handle a snake yourself. Some dead snakes can bite by simple muscle contractions.
