Dogs & Snakebites in the United States

Although snakes can be found all over the United States, the majority of snakebites to dogs occur in Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico - rattlesnake territory. This is usually because unleashed dogs like to explore wild areas where rattlesnakes dwell. A rattlesnake is a more aggressive snake than some of the other pit vipers such as water moccasins and copperheads. They also tend to stay in places that dogs find interesting like dry, rocky areas where mice and rabbits can be found. Water moccasins and copperheads are usually found in wet areas with lots of leaf and vegetation cover. All pit vipers are shy and private and tend to hide. If you keep your dog contained in your yard or on leash, you are extraordinarily unlikely to have a problem with a snake bite.

Coral snakes are another poisonous snake that can be found in the United States. This is a very beautiful, black, red and yellow striped snake that is found mostly in the south, but does have range extending into southern Texas. There is also a type of coral snake that lives in Arizona. Although coral snakes are quite plentiful, they are also quite private. It would be uncommon to see one out in the open. If a dog does find one while rooting about, he is likely to be bitten. The coral snake's poison is a very strong neurotoxin that kills an animal by suffocation rather quickly. This is why it is extremely important to keep your dog on leash in possible coral snake habitat, such as palmetto and scrub areas, swamps, and heavily wooded areas.

Bear in mind, that it is not unheard of to find coral snakes in residential areas; however, most poisonous snakes tend to keep to themselves. They would be unlikely to travel into your yard or lie across a well-walked path. Know that, if you see a snake, it is probably not poisonous. Still, give any snake you see a wide berth, and discourage your dog from investigating snakes. A bite from a non-poisonous snake still hurts and can break the skin and introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.

Some non-poisonous snakes, like yellow-bellied water snakes, will bite hard and repeatedly when harassed, and they can draw blood. A yellow-bellied water snake looks a good deal like a water moccasin, but it is a much more outgoing, curious snake. You are likely to see it in unusual places in the wild (like your bait bucket!) If your dog is bitten by a yellow bellied water snake on an area of skin that doesn't have a good covering of hair, it will leave red, horseshoe shaped marks and may break the skin and cause bleeding. Be sure to clean and disinfect the area right away. Keep an eye on it, and take your dog to the vet if signs of infection (swelling, redness, fever or heat at the site of the bite) develop.

If your dog is bitten by a poisonous snake, you will see the classic pair of puncture wounds, accompanied by swelling and heat. Your dog may also experience difficulty breathing and lethargy. Be sure to get your dog to the vet right away. Don't try any heroics like opening the wound to release the poison or applying a tourniquet. This will only make matters worse. Keep your dog still and quiet and take it straight to your own vet, or to an emergency animal hospital for immediate professional treatment.

For more about snakes and other critters you may encounter in the wild, you may enjoy:

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