Snake Bite Preparedness
Hunting our dogs, especially early season, can put them in conflict with snakes. Inspired by a recent snakebite post I thought I'd summarize the expert advice.
- Do put your dog through a snake avoidance clinic
- Do rush your dog to a vet after an envenomation
- Do not give NSAIDs or Steroids, either can make things worse
- Both can kill your dog
- Do not give Benadryl, it doesn't help unless there's a rare allergic reaction to the venom
- The vaccine is not recommended and there's some evidence it may increase risk of that allergic reaction
Give the NSS website a look and get on their Facebook page so you can get urgent support from experts. Follow the posting and commenting rules.
The website:
https://www.nationalsnakebitesupport.org/
The Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19SdNS3BVZ/
While you're planning a hunting trip, look up vets with antivenom and call them before going to verify it's actually in hand. Save the contact info of the closest vet with antivenom and the closest 24/7 vet with antivenom.
A website to help find vets with antivenin: