Pets have an inquisitive nature, putting them at a high risk for rattlesnake bites, which can cause serious health complications such as severe pain, swelling, tissue damage, and in some cases, death. Our State Ave Veterinary Clinic team doesn’t want your outdoor explorations interrupted by a rattlesnake run-in, and we want to provide helpful information so you can learn how to protect your four-legged friend from these venomous reptiles. 

What snakes are dangerous to my pet?

The prairie rattlesnake is North Dakota’s only venomous snake. They belong to the pit viper subspecies Viperidae and are typically nonaggressive unless provoked. Prairie rattlesnakes have a broad, large, triangle-shaped head, heavy body, and a short tail with a segmented rattle. They are usually shades of brown or grey, with dark geometrical patterns that form bands near the tail end. 

In early spring and late fall, prairie rattlesnakes hunt for food during the day, and in the summer months, they shelter in shady areas during the day, and wait until evening to ambush prey. In the winter, the snakes hibernate in prairie dog burrows or rocky crevices. 

Prairie rattlesnake fangs are hollow and connected to a venom gland behind the eyes. They can control the amount of venom they release and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Their venom is a complex mixture, containing hemotoxic properties that damage red blood cells, cytotoxic properties that damage tissues, and neurotoxic properties that damage nerve tissues.

What are rattlesnake bite signs in pets?

Rattlesnake bite signs depend on your pet’s age, size, and overall health status. More severe bites tend to occur during the warm months when a snake’s venom glands are full. In addition, the closer the bite is to the heart, the quicker the venom spreads throughout the body. Most snakes bite pets on the face, neck, or legs. Possible signs include:

  • Sudden vocalization or pawing at the bite area
  • Fang marks
  • Swelling at the bite site that gradually increases
  • Sudden weakness or collapse
  • Trembling or muscle twitching
  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Excessive salivation
  • Dilated pupils
  • Acute lameness/limping

What should I do if a rattlesnake bites my pet?

If you know or suspect that a rattlesnake has bitten your pet, seek immediate veterinary attention. Most pets survive a snakebite if they receive appropriate and prompt veterinary care. Tips include:

  • Remaining calm — Stay as calm as possible to prevent upsetting your pet further.
  • Taking a picture — If possible, take a picture of the snake for identification purposes, but don’t endanger yourself.
  • Keeping your pet still — Minimize your pet’s movement to slow venom spread. Carry them if possible.
  • Contacting our clinic or an emergency veterinary hospital — Immediately call our State Ave Veterinary Clinic team or your nearest emergency veterinary hospital. Doing so allows the veterinary team to be prepared to care for your pet immediately when you arrive.
  • Cleaning the wound — Clean the wound gently with mild soap and water.

Some pet owners try to treat their furry pal’s rattlesnake bites themselves, forgoing veterinary care. However, many of these treatment strategies do more harm than good. If your pet gets a snakebite, do not do the following:

  • Cut the wound — Some people believe cutting the wound helps stimulate bleeding to remove venom, but this can cause further tissue damage to the bite area.
  • Suck on the wound — You can’t remove a significant amount of venom by sucking on the wound.
  • Apply ice or tourniquet — Applying ice or a tourniquet to the bite area can worsen the injury.

How can I protect my pet from a rattlesnake bite?

Although the prairie rattlesnake is North Dakota’s only venomous snake, your pet is at risk of being bitten. Follow these tips to reduce your pet’s rattlesnake bite risk:

  • Keeping a close eye on your pet when outside
  • Staying clear of areas known for high rattlesnake activity, such as tall grass, rock piles, and dense brush
  • Sticking to clear paths and not letting your pet wander off-leash
  • Teaching your pet reliable recall commands to prevent them from approaching a snake
  • Enrolling your pet in rattlesnake avoidance training so they learn to recognize and avoid rattlesnakes
  • Maintaining your yard by regularly mowing the grass and removing debris to reduce rattlesnake hiding spots. 
  • Call local vet clinics ahead of time to see if they carry anti-venom.

If a rattlesnake bites your pet, contact our State Ave Veterinary Clinic team as soon as possible so we can ensure they get the prompt care they need.  Of course, we carry rattlesnake anti-venom which we infuse into your pet with an IV catheter. We provide pain relief and instructions on the prognosis. The faster you can get your pet to our clinic, the better the outcome.