Protecting Your Pet From Snake Bite

Andee Rivera — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:56:25 +0000

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.

Pet Emergency Preparedness

Andee Rivera — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:22:36 +0000

I found this article in the Pet Sitters International magazine. Although it mainly addresses wildfires, the content applies even now, with mudslides and flooding occurring in the vicinity of the recent fires, and of course the ever-present danger of earthquakes. Take this to heart. It could save the life of your pet(s). Don’t wait to make these preparations. All emergencies strike without warning.

Raging West Coast Fires While the Midwest homes are waterlogged, flames lick the foundations of California homes. Deadly forest fires have destroyed pristine pine forests and wildlife. Residents of the Golden State have lost more than 69,000 acres to wildfires and the numbers continue to rise. At this rate, it is difficult to calculate the damage to homes, businesses and wildlife. It is important to know that even if flames are not immediately affecting a home, smoke is still very harmful. In fact, smoke inhalation can be deadly. Pet owners should keep windows closed and make sure they have evacuation plans for themselves and their companion animals.It’s also important for clients to leave instructions with their pet sitters on where they would like the pets to go in the case of an emergency,” Balisciano added. “It is wise to have all of the pet’s items packed up in a bag ready to go and in a place that is easily accessible for the pet sitter to find.

When it’s Time to Go

In the event of an evacuation, if you are instructed to leave, so are your pets. Law enforcement is not allowed to open roadblocks for those wanting to retrieve pets. If there is an evacuation, it is important for pets to be evacuated along with their owners or caretakers!

Leaving pets behind, regardless of how safe you deem the situation, can have repercussions. Pet owners should bring their pets to a safe place – such as a pet sitter or friend’s home, boarding facility or veterinarian away from the disaster area. With no warning or no other option, it is better to set an animal free than to leave it tied up or confined. Animals have instincts and have a better chance of surviving through disasters on their own, opposed to being left confined in a dangerous situation.

It is also a good idea to call motels and hotels in safe areas and find out if they allow pets. Some hotels will waive their no pet policy in times of disaster. AAA has published a book of all the pet-friendly lodgings in the United States. Motel 6, Studio 6 and Red Roof Inns are a few establishments that welcome pets. [For more information, call 1 (800) MOTEL-6 or 1 (800) RED-ROOF.]

The most important thing to do in the event of a natural disaster is to be prepared. All pet owners should have a pet disaster kit ready and keep it in an accessible place. A little foresight and planning can go along way.

Disaster Tips for Pet Owners

• Keep collars on your pets and halters on your horses with current ID information. Include your cell phone number. Mark all livestock.

• Carry a photo of your pet for ID purposes

Have a bag ready with important pet items:

• Pet food

• Water

• Bowls

• Blankets

• Can opener

• Cat litter

• Pet medication, pet medical records, veterinarian’s information

• Plastic bags

• Sturdy leashes, collars and pet carriers

• Newspapers

Birds

- Put the bird in a sturdy carrier for transport. Do not put water directly in the carrier while traveling, as it could spill. Instead, give the bird fruit or vegetables with high water content, such as apples, melon or lettuce until you reach your destination.

- Also bring a misting bottle to mist the bird’s feathers.

Snakes

Snakes should be put in a pillowcase when they are being transported. Once you have reached your destination, you will need to put them in a more secure place. Don’t forget a large water bowl for soaking as well as a heating pad and lamp.

Caged pets

Hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, etc should be moved in their secure cages or carriers. Bring bedding, food, water bowls.

Grandma Dee's Pet Care » Pet Safety

Protecting Your Pet From Snake Bite

Pet Emergency Preparedness