06/04/2026
Snakebite season is here- What Pet Owners Need To Know
Summer is almost upon us, and we have already seen a lot of snakebite cases. While many snakes are harmless, venomous snakes are present in our area, and it is important to know what to do if your pet has been bitten.
Not all snakebites are the same. There can be a ‘dry bite’, meaning no venom is injected. A snake may inject venom from only one fang or both, and the amount of venom can vary significantly. Juvenile snakes may even inject larger amounts because they have less control over their venom glands.
Regardless of the type of bite, veterinary evaluation is always recommended, especially if you are unsure of what kind of snake was involved.
Signs of a snakebite may include:
*Swelling to the bite site
*Extremely painful
*Labored breathing
*Bleeding from bite site
*Weakness or other symptoms depending on the type of venom.
In North America, snake venoms generally fall into three categories:
Cytotoxic venom-Damages tissue, attacks organs, and can cause severe tissue destruction.
Neurotoxic venom- Affects the nervous system and may cause tremors, paralysis, or neurological dysfunction.
Hemotoxic venom-Attacks the blood and blood vessels. It interferes with clotting and can cause internal bleeding.
Treatment recommendations vary depending on the severity of the bite and your pet’s condition. Some pets may only require pain medication, antibiotics, and home care. More serious cases may need bloodwork, IV fluids, antivenin, hospitalization, and in severe situations, plasma transfusions.
One important test we often perform is a coagulation panel (PT/aPTT), which evaluates your pet’s ability to clot blood properly. Many snake venoms can interfere with normal clotting function.
Based on the physical exam and diagnostic results, we will determine the most appropriate treatment for your pet.
Why Antivenin Matters
We strongly recommend antivenin treatment when indicated. Rattlesnake antivenin helps neutralize venom, reduce swelling, minimize pain, preserve tissue, and it saves lives. Most pets require only one vial regardless of size, whether they are a cat, dog, or horse.
Once administered intravenously, antivenin binds to venom proteins circulating in the bloodstream. This neutralizes their harmful effects and allows the body to safely eliminate the toxins. Antivenin is most effective when given as soon as possible after a bite, before permanent tissue damage or neurological injury occurs.
Many pets begin showing improvement within 12 hours of treatment. Swelling may take several days to fully resolve, and we monitor closely for tissue necrosis and other complications. Pets are typically sent home with pain medication and antibiotics to support recovery.
While treatment is often very successful, there is always a possibility of permanent damage depending on the severity of the envenomation and how quickly treatment is started.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent a snakebite, but being aware of your surroundings and your pet’s environment can help reduce risk.
If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, seek veterinary care immediately. Early treatment can make all the difference.
Below is a link to familiarize yourself with common snakes in our area. It contains the names of snakes and their picture to help identify them easier.
Snakes Order Squamata: Serpentes Save for only six species, all of Mississippi’s native snakes are harmless. See families Elapidae (venomous) and Viperidae (venomous) at the bottom of this array to learn more about identifying venomous species. While potentially harmful if haphazardly provoked, al...
