VENOMOUS VS NON-VENOMOUS SNAKES Here are general guidelines to determine if what you are seeing is venomous, but there are always exceptions to the rule: A broad, triangular head with a noticeable “neck” Vertical slits for pupils (hopefully you won’t be close enough to evaluate this!) “Pit vipers” have heat-sensing “pits” (thermo-receptors) on their faces between the eye and nostril which help them locate prey, especially warm-blooded animals. Two fangs which leave puncture wounds Rattles on some species but they do not always issue a warning as the sound signals prey which could be a tasty meal Venomous snakes can be found in rural and suburban areas. In cold climates most hibernate from November through March. In warmer climates, however they are active year-round, and after mild winters, come out of hibernation early. Learn which species are indigenous to your neighborhood.
The degree of severity of any venomous snake bite depends on:
The species & size of snake The size of the animal bitten The amount of venom injected If you are certain it was a non-venomous snake …
Wash the wound with antibacterial soap and observe. If red or warm to the touch, get to the veterinarian for antibiotics or other treatment. If you suspect it was a venomous snake: Keep bite wound below level of heart to prevent speedy absorption of venom. Keep animal calm – the faster he moves, the faster the venom circulates. Get to the animal ER at once! Treatment should begin within 30 minutes of the bite, and it takes 30 minutes to mix the antidote. Some clinics are starting to carry a reconstituted version but make sure they have plenty on hand by calling ahead. Do NOT cut over the bite and try to suck out the poison. Do NOT manipulate the bitten area or allow the pet to move about freely. Do NOT place an ice pack over the bite which will concentrate the toxin causing extensive, irreparable tissue damage. Rattlesnake Vaccine is not a cure-all but can minimize the severity of the bite. Check with your veterinarian for details.
Most snakes can control the amount of venom they inject and may deliver a “dry” bite to a human or large animal. Baby snakes, however, are born with venom and the means to inject it but aren’t yet “fang trained,” so generally hold on longer and deliver all the venom they have at one time. Hemotoxic venom disrupts the integrity of the blood vessels causing swelling as blood seeps into the tissue and prevents clotting. It also breaks down the tissue and “pre-digests” it making it easier for the snake to consume. Neurotoxic venom results in paralysis including that of the respiratory muscles ending in suffocation. Some snakes possess both types.
Denise Fleck, aka The Pet Safety Crusader™, established Sunny- dog Ink in 1999 to help people help their pets, and has personally instructed more than 15,000 students in animal life-saving skills! Her 10 th and most comprehensive book, “The Pet Safety Bible” debuts on book shelves this fall along with her online Pet First- Aid & CPCR Classes! Learn more at www.PetSafetyCrusader.com.
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