Travel First-Aid Tip for Dogs: Snakebite

Introduction

Warning:  Graphic pictures of snakebite victims within this post!

We are placing a series of travel first aid tips for dogs on our website.  These tips were written for the “Canine Companion – Instructions & First-Aid Tips“ that came with the Emergency First-Aid & Travel Kit for Dogs by Dr. Brooks Bloomfield of The Doctor’s Office for Pets located in Truckee, California, a well-known, highly-respected veterinarian with over 30 years of superbly practicing veterinary medicine on wildlife and domesticated animals.

There are so many times that we as pet owners long to have a great veterinarian’s advice on-hand 24/7 so that we’re not left with so many questions during stressful situations when something has happened to our beloved pup especially when traveling (doesn’t it always happen that these situations arise on weekends, too, when your veterinarian’s office is closed).

This travel first-aid tip deals with:  Snakebite

“Snakebites are frightening experiences.  Most envenomations in the United States are caused by pit vipers, which include the rattlesnakes, cottonmouth and copperhead. 

Snake venom is actually a combination of toxins and the severity of an envenomation is related to the strength and amount of venom injected, as well as the site. 

The best approach is to keep the patient as quiet as possible and seek immediate veterinary attention.  First aid is of little benefit.  Diphenhydramine (Diphen is included in the kit) may be helpful in lessening both anxiety and some of the reaction but should be given by mouth only to a completely conscious dog, followed by immediate transport.  Sucking, cutting or applying a tourniquet to the area is of no benefit. 

Some signs of snakebite show up after several hours to days so watch any suspected bite victims closely.”

Note:  References to items or supplies noted in the above instructions were made in reference to the supplies that came in the Emergency First-Aid & Travel Kit for Dogs in conjunction with these instructions.

In Honor of Chief

This post in honor of Chief who died protecting his family.

*Images courtesy of petdoctors.co.uk and cesarsway.com.

[pullquote_right]Wishing you and your fur-kids safe and happy travels this summer![/pullquote_right]