Snake Bite On Dogs

Did you know there are 25 types of poisonous snakes in North America, on every part of the continent? And while not all snakes are poisonous, a ‘harmless’ non-venemous snake bite can still leave your furry friend in a bit of pain. 

If you have a curious dog who loves sniffing around, it’s good to know what could happen if they meet a snake. Most snakes prefer to keep to themselves, but sometimes our pups’ natural curiosity gets the best of them — and that’s when accidents happen.

When a snake bites a dog, it can be anything from a small scare to something a bit more serious, depending on whether the snake is venomous or not. So knowing what to look out for can make a big difference in keeping your dog safe at all times. 

What are snake bites on dogs?

A snake bite happens when a snake uses its fangs to puncture a dog's skin, potentially injecting venom. The severity of the bite depends on whether the snake is venomous or non-venomous. Non-venomous bites typically cause localized pain and swelling, while venomous bites can lead to severe reactions and require immediate vet attention.

The dog snake bite timeline varies depending on the type of snake and severity of the bite. 

Symptoms from venomous bites, such as swelling and pain, can appear within minutes, while more serious effects like breathing issues or organ damage may develop over several hours. Non-venomous bites typically heal within days, but venomous bites can require weeks of treatment and recovery.

If a snake does bite your dog, you’ll want to know what’s what, especially since the symptoms can vary depending on the type of snake. 

Here’s a quick guide to spotting the difference.

Non-venomous snakes and their bites

Non-venomous bites aren’t usually a big deal (nothing life-threatening), though they can still cause a bit of discomfort. Symptoms might include:

• Localized swelling or bruising around the bite
• Possible visible puncture wounds
• Bleeding from the wound
• Pain and infection may occur after a time

Here are some of the non-venemous snakes to keep an eye out for: 

• Garter snakes
• Boas
• Pythons
• King snakes

Venomous snakes and their bites

The poisonous snakes are a different story, and can of course be much more serious. 

• Shaking and tremors
• Excessive salivation (ptyalism)
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Obvious tissue damage, discoloration and bleeding from wound site
• Vomiting and/or incontinence
• Blood in urine
• Altered mental status
• Dilated pupil
• Muscle contractions
• Loss of bodily movements (ataxia)
• Limb weakness (tetraparesis)
• Collapse
• Paralysis
• Death

And if you see any of these venomous snakes around your pup, stay alert: 

• Rattlesnakes
• Cottonmouths
• Coral snakes
• Sidewinders

These are only a few of the snakes that can be dangerous for your pup - always be on the lookout if you live in an area where snakes like this might be present. And if you’re an active family that enjoys the great outdoors, it might be a good idea to read up on potential venomous snakes in your area. 

When it comes to snake bites, a lot depends on the snake itself — and the situation. Not all bites are created equal. Some, like those from non-venomous snakes, may cause little more than a scare (and maybe some swelling), while venomous bites can have more serious consequences.

Here’s what plays a role in how severe a snake bite might be:

• The snake’s species: Not all snakes are venomous, but when they are, their venom can vary in toxicity. Some species pack a stronger punch than others.

• Size and maturity of the snake: Bigger, more mature snakes tend to have more venom at their disposal.

• Where the bite happens: The location of the bite matters! For example, bites on the chest or abdomen can allow venom to reach the heart and spread through the body more quickly. On the flip side, bites on the head or legs are usually less life-threatening.

• Time of year: Early summer is like “venom season” for snakes — many have full stores of venom after winter.

• When the snake last bit something: If a snake hasn’t used its venom in a while, it’s likely to deliver a larger dose.

Venomous bites don’t just cause immediate pain — they can trigger a domino effect in your dog’s body. Venom can damage blood vessels and tissues, harm vital organs, and even destroy red blood cells. It can also throw off your dog’s blood pressure and pH balance, leading to further complications.

While it’s fascinating how much science is behind a single bite, the key takeaway is simple: if your dog gets bitten by a snake, venomous or not, don’t wait — get them to the vet right away. Time is critical when it comes to preventing complications.

If you think your dog might have been bitten by a snake, don’t waste time — get them to the vet as soon as possible. But here’s the thing: your dog needs you to stay calm. Panicking will only make them more anxious, and right now, staying quiet and still is the best thing for them.

Here are a few key steps to follow:

• Keep your dog still and quiet: Movement can spread venom faster through their body, so don’t let them walk. If you can, carry them to your car.

• Skip the home remedies: Ice packs, tourniquets, or suction kits might seem helpful, but they can do more harm than good. Your priority should be getting your dog professional care, not trying to treat them yourself.

• Bring clues if you can: If it’s safe, take a picture of the snake or, if the snake is dead, bring it with you. This can help the vet identify the snake and decide on the right treatment. (Just be careful — no need to risk another bite!)

Once you get to the clinic, your vet will ask about what happened and examine your dog for signs of a bite. They may use blood tests, imaging, or other diagnostics to confirm what type of bite it was and how severe it is. From there, they’ll start the treatment that’s best for your pup.

Time is everything in situations like this, so don’t wait — your quick actions can make all the difference.

Are your furry friend’s basic health care needs being met? If not, sign up for a Wag! Wellness Plan today and get access to routine shots, bloodwork, dental work and more. 

Can a dog survive a snake bite without treatment? 

Whether venomous or not, snake bites need professional care to ensure your dog heals properly and avoids complications. Here’s what you can expect during treatment:

Non-venomous bite treatment

For non-venomous bites, your vet’s first step will be to clean the wound thoroughly to prevent infection. Depending on the bite, they might prescribe:

• Antibiotics: to ward off any potential infections

• Anti-inflammatories or antihistamines: To reduce swelling and discomfort

These bites are usually straightforward to treat, and most dogs recover quickly with proper care and a bit of rest.

Venomous bite treatment

Venomous bites are more serious, and the treatment plan will depend on the snake, the severity of the bite, and your dog’s symptoms. If your vet determines antivenom is needed, it will be administered as soon as possible (ideally within six hours of the bite). 

Here’s what else might be part of the treatment plan:

• Wound care: The bite area will be located, marked, and cleaned to reduce the risk of infection and track swelling.

• Oxygen and IV fluids: These can help control shock, support circulation, and protect against tissue damage.

• Medications: Anticonvulsants, antibiotics, antihistamines, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatories may all be used to manage symptoms and help your dog feel better.

• Monitoring: Your dog will likely be kept under close observation for 24–48 hours, as some effects of the venom may show up later.

The recovery timeline can vary widely:

• Mild cases: With minimal venom exposure, your dog might bounce back in just a few days.

• Severe cases: If complications arise, recovery can involve a longer hospital stay and even several weeks of aftercare at home.

Your vet will keep you informed every step of the way, and with prompt treatment and proper care, most dogs make a full recovery — even from a scary encounter with a venomous snake.

Recovering from a snake bite can be a journey, and how well your dog bounces back depends on a mix of factors. Research shows that bites from rattlesnakes tend to be trickier to recover from compared to other venomous snakes, but don’t lose hope — successful recoveries are absolutely possible.

What affects recovery?

Several things play a role in how smoothly your dog recovers:

• Your dog’s age, size, and health: Puppies, senior dogs, or those with existing health issues may have a tougher time compared to healthy adult dogs.

• The time to treatment: The faster your dog gets care, the better the chances for a full recovery.

• Where the bite happened: Bites closer to vital organs, like on the chest or abdomen, can lead to more complications than those on the limbs or face.

• The size of the wound: Larger bites can take longer to heal and may be more prone to complications.

Possible challenges

Even with the best care, snake bites can present challenges:

• Delayed symptoms: Some venom effects can show up hours or even days after you thought your dog was in the clear. That’s why follow-up monitoring is so important.

• Critical condition on arrival: If your dog is already in a severe state when they reach the vet, recovery might be more complicated.

• Unknown snake type: When it’s unclear what kind of snake was involved, it can make treatment and recovery a bit trickier.

What does recovery look like?

For dogs that recover successfully (and many do!), follow-up care is key. Your vet will likely recommend:

• Wound checks: Making sure the bite area is healing well and free from infection.

• System evaluations: Tests to confirm that organs, muscles, and other systems are back to normal.

Recovery can take time — sometimes weeks or even months, especially if your dog needs rehabilitation or ongoing therapy. Patience is crucial during this period. With the right care and a little TLC, most dogs return to their regular selves.

Treating a snake bite can be expensive, especially if your dog requires extended care. While out-of-pocket costs might seem overwhelming, pet insurance can help ease the financial burden. Many plans reimburse up to 90% of the costs, often within a few days.

If you’re not already covered, it might be worth comparing policies to find one that suits your furry friend’s needs. Compare policies today and get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds, with Wag! Compare.