Snakebites
Most pets are bitten on or near the face and neck when they try to catch snakes, but bites to the body are typically more dangerous. The severity of the bite depends on the size of the snake compared with the size of the pet, the number of bites, and the amount of venom that's injected. Some types of venom attack the central nervous system, in which case the pet may act drunk, have seizures or stop breathing suddenly. The most common snakebite sign when venom has been injected is sudden, severe swelling that often hides any fang marks, so the wound looks like an insect sting or spider bite.
The venom from pit vipers like copperheads actually digests the flesh, so the area around the bite becomes discolored within minutes. It can also cause bleeding disorders (bruising or bloody nose) that look like rat poisoning. Quick medical attention is important because even if the bite isn't life-threatening, irreversible damage from the venom begins immediately.
Because it's often difficult to tell the difference between harmless and deadly bites, rush your pet to the vet if you think he has been bitten.
| Snake | Details |
| Pit Viper | Pit vipers have a depression between their nose and eyes and their fangs can retract and their heads are triangular in shape. |
| Rattlesnake | Rattlesnakes can be up to eight feet in length and their tails contain a rattle. | Copperheads | Copperheads are about four feet long and have two rattles. The top of the head is a rich, coppery orange color. |
| Cottonmouths | Cottonmouths are also known as water moccasins, can grow to four feet in length. The body is dark and the inside of the mouth is snowy white. | Coral Snake | Fangs are in the rear of the mouth and are not retractable. The snakes can be up to three feet long. They are red, yellow, and black in alternating bands. |
