Can a dog survive a rattlesnake bite without treatment? Tips and Tricks

If a Snake Bites Your Dog

First off: It’s best to assume the bite is venomous. Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible! Keep your pet calm and immobile, and carry them if necessary. If you can do it safely, take these extra measures prior to transporting to your vet:

If the swelling is not in the face, muzzle your dog to avoid being bitten; snake bites are very painful and your dog may unintentionally snap at you. However, if the swelling is in the face, avoid touching this area all together.

Immobilize the part of your dog that the snake bit; try to keep the area at or below heart level.

Is a rattlesnake bite a veterinary emergency?

Since rattlesnake venom contains a cocktail of toxins which can spread throughout a dogs body after being bitten, rattlesnake bites are rightly considered to be veterinary emergencies.

When released into your pets bloodstream, these toxins can cause serious symptoms and pain. Even if your dog survives the effects of a rattlesnake bite, the venom may cause them permanent damage.

Rattlesnakes: Appearance and Location

Rattlesnakes live as far north as Canada and as far south as Argentina. They can be found in deserts, swamps, shrublands, grasslands, and forests. No matter where you go, at least in the United States, chances are good there’s a rattlesnake living somewhere nearby. They’re most likely to come into contact with dogs and people in the summer months, from early spring to early fall. In the winter, most rattlesnakes go into a state of torpor called brumation; they’re not likely to bite you, or your dog, during this time.

Rattlesnakes are best recognized by the rattles at the tips of their tails. They also have unique, triangular heads, and very large fangs. Their bodies are covered in alternating diamond markings, and they can grow up to eight feet long. Some of the most common species include the timber, prairie, and mojave rattlesnakes.

If you’re planning on hiking in rattlesnake country, there are a few easy steps you can take to minimize your chances of encountering a rattler. First, keep you and your dog on trail. Rattlesnakes like to hide under bushes and rocks—an off-leash dog may poke their nose into the wrong spot and startle the rattlesnake into biting.

You should also be mindful of rattlesnakes while you hike—you’ll generally hear them before you ever see them. If you hear a rattlesnake—even if you don’t see it—move yourself and your canine companion away from the sound. Use slow, careful movements, and do not attempt to approach any snake.

How to Survive a Rattlesnake Bite | National Geographic