Warmer temperatures, longer days, oh my…Watch out for snakes!

By Christina Laidley, CVT, Bellalago Veterinary Hospital

Longer days and warmer temperatures mean summer is finally here! However, before you and your pets rush out to enjoy the warm weather make sure you are familiar with the summer dangers that can lure in our own backyards. Every year more than 100,000 dogs and cats in the United States are bitten by venomous snakes. Now, snakes typically do not seek dogs and cats to bite but do and will when they feel threatened. The severity of the bite depends on the amount of venom injected, the location of the bite, size of the victim, rate of venom and time before treatment is initiated. Both dogs and cats can be bitten on the head, face, legs, paws, or body. Initial signs and symptoms are pain, rapid swelling and they can have the presence of fang marks. It is important to note that fang marks may or may not be seen depending on the extent of swelling as well as the length of your pet’s hair.

Are you wondering what does snake venom do? Well, snake venom contains a mixture of enzymes and peptides that causes several different signs and symptoms in pets. Within 1-3 hours pets may seem depressed and febrile. They may experience vomiting, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, and develop bruising around the bite mark. They can lead to circulatory collapse, bleeding disorders and death. I would like to make it very clear that rattlesnake bites can be fatal if left untreated. Do you know what you can do to protect your pets in case of an emergency? The sooner treatment is initiated the better the prognosis. If you think your pet was bitten, take them to a veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for signs to appear before seeking veterinary help.

Now please don’t be weary of enjoying Florida’s great weather with your pets. The most reassuring news you’ll hear is yet….at Bellalago Veterinary Hospital not only do we have a highly-trained staff, we also have access to Antivenin. The brand of our Antivenin used on hand is Rattler Antivenin by MG Biologics.

Rattler Antivenin by MG Biologics benefits both veterinarians and pet owners alike while maintaining a beneficial price point. This fantastic product has a three-year shelf life, which means the manufacture date is good for three years. It is stored frozen; however, it can be ready to use within five minutes after being placed in a warm water bowl to thaw. It does not require reconstituting which allows intravenous treatment to be initiated sooner which can be critical to the pet. Rattler Antivenin is cross protective and shown to be effective against envenomation in canine and equines due to commonly named “Pit-Vipers”. This includes cottonmouths, water moccasins, copperheads, and rattlesnakes. Rattler Antivenin is made in the USA. Manufactured and distributed by Mg Biologics. This product was not studied on cats but has been used off label.

Now, isn’t it great to know that all of us at Bellalago Veterinary Hospital have your back?! What could be better than going out and enjoying your summer days with your beloved pets? Nothing!!!

One last thing before I go…Stay Hydrated! With the Florida heat, it can sure get hot out there.  Stay tuned for my next post!