We got an email newsletter from one of ur vets that talked about a significant increase in the number of snakebites this year. Many of you may have read or heard about the increased population of snakes due to the warm winter and rain we received the past few months. Texas is an area where your dog might be exposed to venomous snakes, such as rattlesnakes and  copperheads. Even our more urban areas are seeing increases in snake bites! A dog is usually bitten on its face or nose, while a cat is usually bitten on their paws. The area bitten will be noticeably swollen and painful. Animals that are bitten usually require immediate treatment as the venom spreads very quickly. Venom can spread quickly inside the animal, and kidney failure can result within 12 to 24 hours, which is why a bitten animal needs immediate care. If you suspect a bite, please call your veterinarian ASAP. If you are in a very high risk area you may consider talking to your vet about the venom vaccine now available on the market.

I am in Dallas and didn’t worry too much about this until a friend reported a snake under her deck near downtown!

(sorry for no picture but I googled snake and dog pictures and wished I didn’t….. Ewwww)

For more information about snake bites click of this link from Texas A & M http://tamutimes.tamu.edu/2012/04/16/snakebites-can-be-painful-and-expensive/