What should I do if my pet is bitten by a snake?
What should I do if my pet is bitten by a snake?
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There are some important do's and don'ts when a poisonous snake gets its fangs into your pet. First, try to keep the animal as calm and quiet as you can. Struggling or thrashing around makes the venom spread more quickly. Wrap him in a blanket and take him to an animal clinic immediately.
Do not cut into the bite with a knife or try to suck out the venom yourself. The bacteria in your saliva could be a potential hazard. And do not apply a tourniquet, as cutting off blood circulation to the affected area may lead to serious tissue damage.
A veterinarian will suggest various treatment options, depending on the severity of the case. The more prompt the treatment, the more likely it is that your pet will survive a life-threatening snakebite.
– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series