Snake Bites
Snakebites are not a common emergency in this part of the country - when I spent time in Arizona we saw several each week!
If your pet is bitten by a snake, it is best to assume the pet is venomous and bring the pet for treatment.
SEE BELOW FOR PHOTOS OF THE VENOMOUS AND NON-VENOMOUS SNAKES OF THE AREA.
If your pet is bitten by a snake, it is best to assume the pet is venomous and bring the pet for treatment.
SEE BELOW FOR PHOTOS OF THE VENOMOUS AND NON-VENOMOUS SNAKES OF THE AREA.
- Intense local pain
- Dramatic Swelling
- Bleeding
- Immobilize the part of the animal that has been bitten. Try to keep it at or below the level of the heart.
- Keep the pet calm and immobile; carry if possible.
- Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
- Photograph the snake if you can. If the snake has been killed by your pet or is otherwise deceased, bring it with you. It will be helpful in identifying whether or not the snake is venomous.
- Do not cut over fang marks.
- Do not manipulate the bitten area more than needed.
- Do not allow the pet to move about freely.
- Do not ice pack or tourniquet the area.
- Do not administer any medications unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian.
- Do not use electric shock on the area.
- If the snake is alive and needs to be removed from the area, enclose it in a garbage can with a tight lid or a bucket if you can do so without risk.
- Please do not kill the snake - I have seen many dead non-venomous snakes but have yet to see a venoumous snake that was killed and brought in by an owner...
In Maryland, most snakes you will encounter in this area will be non-venomous.
There are 25 species of non-venomous snakes, and 2 venomous species.
There are 25 species of non-venomous snakes, and 2 venomous species.