If a snake bites your pet, every minute matters. A snakebite is a serious, life-threatening emergency, and without immediate pet emergency care, your four-legged companion could sadly lose his life. Unfortunately, in the event of a snakebite, it’s not enough for your pet to simply visit a vet. Your vet needs access to both a blood and anti-venom bank in order to save your pet’s life.
Our trained veterinarians at True Care for Pets understand the best way to treat pets for a snakebite, including what not to do immediately after the event. Most snakes bite dogs either on the face or limbs; swelling can be dramatic, reducing up to one-third of blood circulation in just a matter of hours. Bites to the face are especially serious as these can impair breathing. Without immediate treatment, these bites can lead to deadly side effects.
Toxins from the snake’s venom disrupt the blood’s normal ability to clot, which can lead to uncontrolled bleeding. Unfortunately, the first reaction of many pet owners is to attempt to control the bleeding by using a tourniquet or ice. A tourniquet reduces circulation, and can ultimately have a negative effect on your pet’s health by depriving the damaged tissue of blood and vital nutrients.
If a snake bites your pet, contact our pet emergency room as quickly as possible. Rather than attempting any first aid, like trying to remove the venom, it’s best to immediately take your pet to a pet emergency room. Antivenin is most effective when administered within the first few hours of a snakebite. Attempting to first treat a pet at home with first aid can cost valuable minutes when your pet is best served by an immediate trip to an emergency center with full access to an anti-venom bank.
As the primary blood blank for the San Fernando Valley the greater Los Angeles region, True Care for Pets is ready and standing by to help you. Our anti-venom bank and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools can provide the essential, life-saving care your pet needs in the event of a snakebite.