Spring has arrived, but flowers may not be the only thing appearing in your garden. It is also the season when snakes wake up from hibernation.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, there are approximately 3,000 different species of snakes in the world, and less than one-third are considered venomous. However, only four types of venomous snakes are found in the United States, including the rattlesnake, pit viper, cottontail or water moccasin, and coral snake, all of which are present in Texas.
Regardless of the type of snake you might encounter, Dr. Kristin Rutter, a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, recommends that all snake bites should be avoided if owners suspect their pets. If this occurs, we recommend that your dog be examined by a veterinarian. Bites from non-venomous snakes can cause complications, so you may have been bitten.
understanding snake behavior
Because of their great adaptability, snakes live in a variety of locations, from dense rainforests and arid deserts to urban environments.
“I live in the suburbs, and I've seen snakes in my small yard,” Rutter said. “Before you let your pet outside, always turn on the lights in the house and make some noise to alert the snake and give it time to retreat and hide if possible. Snakes themselves are not interested in being alone. They don't want to interact with people or pets because of this. They will only protect themselves if they feel threatened.”
To avoid being noticed, snakes often seek hiding places, but this natural tendency to hide can make it difficult for your pet to notice the snake until it gets too close, potentially causing a defensive reaction in the snake. there is.
“Snakes love tall grass, leaf piles, wood piles, sheds, and areas with low daily traffic such as garages and warehouses,” Rutter says. “Unfortunately, snake repellents and chemicals are not effective, so owners should keep their pets away from other buildings and maintain their pet's environment by removing leaves, debris, and tall grass.”
Immediate actions when bitten
Even if you take precautions, there's always a chance that your pet will encounter a snake, so it's important that owners are able to recognize the signs that their pet has been bitten.
“Dogs are most commonly bitten on the face, neck, and paws, while cats are most commonly bitten on the paws,” Rutter explained. “Some snakes don't leave typical 'bites' on pets, so owners may not be able to spot one or two bleeding stings.” Instead, you should look for other signs in your pet, such as pain, fear, abnormal mental state, seizures, or difficulty walking. ”
Unlike other injuries and illnesses that can be treated at home, snake bites require immediate veterinary attention.
“Owners should immediately remove the bitten animal's collar if there is swelling around the pet's head or neck to prevent constriction,” Rutter says. “If not, there are no home-administered medications that are effective in treating a snakebite and are suitable for pain control, so do not administer anything and visit your veterinarian. ”
If possible, owners should also gather information about the snake's culprit without putting themselves at risk, such as by taking photos of the snake from a safe distance or describing its size, color, and distinctive markings from a distance. We should strive to do so.
“Many snakes are not venomous, but distinguishing between venomous and nonvenomous snakes is very difficult, especially right now,” Rutter said. “What veterinarians often want to know about is the snake's color. Patterns such as stripes and shapes versus solid colors. And the presence of rattles. Snakes' tails can have unique colors, which can be a useful indicator. There is also.”
Information about the snake can help veterinarians determine the type of snake and whether appropriate antivenom is needed, but owners should not be concerned about serious health problems such as difficulty breathing after a snake bite. You should make it a priority to take your pet to the vet before a problem is caused.
By being aware of your pet's surroundings and making small adjustments to their environment, you can protect them from hidden dangers such as snakes. Remember, if you have any reason to think your pet has been bitten by a snake, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Pet Talk is a service of the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Biomedical Sciences. Stories can be viewed on the web. vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be sent to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.
