Snake Bites and Your Pet
- Windsor Contributor
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
For many pet owners, especially those who live in or near rural areas, snakes are a concern as the weather warms. While almost every snake you or your dog encounters will be completely harmless and nonvenomous, there is a statistical possibility of them being venomous. In this article I will cover a few of the most common myths associated with snakes and snake bites, what to do if your pet is bitten by a snake, and show a few snake species to help with identification of which are harmless and which are venomous for our area (Florence, South Carolina).
Venomous Species
A venomous snake is any species that uses venom to subdue prey, and this may result in envenomation (the injection of venom) if it tries to defend itself. This is not to be confused with a poisonous snake, which is a snake that is toxic if eaten (yes, this is a thing). I'll touch on poisonous snakes first since this is the smallest group and the least likely to present an issue.
The generally harmless Common Garter Snake is NON-venomous (technically) and is an expansive species consisting of 12 subspecies that inhabits most of populated North America. They are small snakes, measuring less than 22 inches long. They frequent areas that have standing water and a feed primarily on amphibians and grubs, but they will also leeches, slugs, snails, other insects, crayfish, fish, lizards, rodents, and even young snakes such as newborn Rattlesnakes and Copperheads. Common garter snakes are effective at catching fast-moving creatures such as fish and tadpoles, and just a few garter snakes can eradicate a population of leaches from a pond or ditch.
Because they have so many subspecies, Common Garters vary widely in appearance. I recommend doing a simple Google search of "Common Garter Snake" plus your location to take a look at the images to see for yourself. Generally, though, they will have a line going all the way down their backs. There are also many species of Garter that are completely separate from this one, this is just the most common - hence the name.
Garter Snakes often (but not always) possess a toxin inside their mouth that serves as a venom to assist them in taking down their small prey items. This toxin is derived from their diet of things that contain toxins themselves, such as frogs and salamanders. This toxin is also inside the rest of their body, making them poisonous when ingested. While they wouldn't likely be poisonous enough to harm a very large dog, if a small breed got ahold of one, it could make them feel quite sick and result in a lot of stomach upset as well as diarrhea.
Possibly one of the most encountered venomous snake in the Carolinas, this beauty packs a punch. A bite from a Copperhead is rarely fatal, but it can be accompanied by quite a bit of pain, muscle cramping, and nausea. Dogs should be medically treated immediately if bitten, and cats who are bitten are in an even bigger emergency. The smaller the bite victim, the greater the concern. Copperheads are known for giving "dry bites" which contain very little - if any - venom, but there is no way to reliably distinguish a dry bite from a wet bite. Therefore, all bites should be treated as if there was a transfer of venom. These snakes are most frequently seen in or near wooded areas, and they particularly enjoy leaf litter.
A snake of many names, the Cottonmouth is also frequently called Water Moccasin, Northern Cottonmouth, Swamp Moccasin, Black Moccasin, Florida Viper, Swamp Viper, etc. It is a true Viper, and one of the few species of viper that is semi-aquatic. Cottonmouths have a nasty reputation for being aggressive, and there is no shortage of anecdotes claiming to prove it. However, scientific study has confirmed time and time again that Cottonmouths are docile snakes that much prefer to avoid any fights. They have a heightened fear of humans and other predators which makes them extra defensive. When in defense mode, they typically coil tightly and show the white on the inside of their mouths as a warning. These are potentially deadly and are not particularly known for delivering dry bites. Seek medical attention immediately if your dog or cat is bitten.
Eastern Hognose are only mildly venomous and pose no threat whatsoever to you, your dogs, or your cats. They are rear fanged, meaning their short fangs are all the way in the back of their mouths. This means that a defensive bite cannot result in the transfer of venom. Their venom is also quite weak, really only being strong enough to help them kill and eat a frog. If bitten, no medical attention is required.
Hognose snakes have some quirks, though, that make them very interesting. They can spread the head and necks horizontally to make themselves look more intimidating. They will sometimes rattle their tail causing it to smack against dry leaves or grass to mimic the warning rattle of a rattlesnake. They will dramatically play as though they are dead or dying, opening their mouths and flailing onto their backs, all in an attempt to make a predator think they're tainted and shouldn't be eaten. They can also be found in a variety of colors. But they're very easy to identify by their upturned mouths giving them the appearance of a duck bill or hog nose.
The largest venomous snake in the Carolinas, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is easily identifiable thanks to their diamond pattern on their backs. But despite their potential large size they can be incredibly easy to miss, thanks to their amazing camouflage. Dogs and cats are usually bitten by these because they are curious about the rattle and won't leave the snake alone. Humans, on the other hand, are usually bitten because they step too close to the snake because they didn't see it and they startle it. Regardless of the circumstance, seek medical attention immediately.
This is not a comprehensive list, but it is intended to be an introduction to common venomous species in our area. Please research your area to see full lists and descriptions of any venomous snakes in your area.
How To Prevent Snake Bites
The only way to remove all possibility of your dog or cat getting bitten by a venomous snake is to move to a location that doesn't have said snakes. That isn't usually practical, even for the people with the strongest ophidiophobia (fear of snakes). But there are some steps you can take to decrease the chances.
As for cats, keeping them indoors almost erases the chances completely. This has many other benefits as well.
For dogs, keeping them away from tall grass, bushes and brush, rocks, and logs can help dramatically decrease their chances of an unlucky encounter. When taking them on walks in nature always be aware of where you and they are stepping, and keeping them from approaching low bushes or tall grass can help. If you must walk through areas where snakes might be present, consider using a long stick to probe the ground ahead of where you and your dog are going to step. Keep your dog on a short leash during these nature outings in areas with known populations of venomous snakes.
Keeping a clean yard with no debris and nothing lying flat on the ground (such as metal sheets or wooden boards) helps by removing very common places used as shelters for these snakes, which encourages them to move along to someplace else they can feel more secure.
Generally speaking, if you encounter a snake outdoors, venomous or otherwise, the best thing to do is to avoid the snake and walk the opposite direction. Snakes don't want to be where predators are, and they see both you and your dog as predators. They will usually retreat. A large percentage of bites to humans happen when the human is attempting to kill the snake, which means if you can avoid this situation then you'll be better off. If you're feeling extra brave and would like to assume the inherent risk, you can attempt to relocate the snake yourself - we do not advise this, however.
Contacting a professional wildlife removal service is always best. Most areas have more options than you would think, and the Florence area is no different. Pee Dee Wildlife Control Inc. is a popular choice in our area, but there are several!
When A Snake Bites
Most snake bites are likely to be from a nonvenomous snake that is trying to scare you or your dog away, or otherwise defend itself from what it sees as a threat. If there is any doubt in your mind about whether or not the snake was venomous, contact your veterinarian immediately. You can usually expect quite a bit of pain, gradually increasing in severity as time passes, and swelling. When bitten by a venomous snake, dogs often swell, drool, become lethargic, vomit...the possible reactions are widely varying.
Try to keep your dog still and calm. Too much movement and panicking can increase blood flow and only help the venom spread quicker. Inspect the bite for any fangs. It isn't uncommon for a fang to break off into a dog or human that is bitten. Removing the fang can help some of the venom exit the wound.
Veterinary medical attention is recommended as soon as passible after a venomous snake bite. If it is safe to do so, try to take a photo of the snake that bit your dog. This can help veterinary staff identify the culprit and determine any necessary treatment.
Your veterinarian is likely to do blood work to assess organ function. They will likely administer subcutaneous fluids. They may also employ the use of various injectable medications, up to and including antivenin. Hospitalization is often, but not always, required.
If your veterinarian is closed, contact your nearest emergency animal hospital.
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