In SC we found him in the yard in the morning dead, he had bite marks on his neck, but it wasnt swollen. Thought it was a snake but you guys are saying no, so what do u think it was?
2006-06-13 08:02:01 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
there was nothing just the little marks, no way it could have been another dog.
2006-06-13 08:11:24 · update #1
I'll have to agree taking him to a vet for an autopsy is the only sure way you are going to find out for sure, however this may prove to be expensive.
A snake could very well be possible, even a "non-poisonous" black snake could prove fatal to a dog of this size. :-(
Another possiblity could be a bat bite.
Best wishes & I'm truly sorry for your loss. :-(
2006-06-13 08:42:13 · answer #1 · answered by kueria 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I rechecked my answer, and as I said before, it could be a copperhead. Although, I did not realize that they arent as venomous to humans as I thought. See below:
The poison that generates such fear in people is an adaptation that helps the snake survive and serve as a valuable part of the environment. Snakes like the copperhead often prey on animals larger than themselves and so there is a distinct advantage in having that animal quiet or immobile, particularly if the animal could hurt the snake. Copperheads are pit vipers, and have large, hollow fangs at the front of their mouth that are connected to the bones of the upper jaw and palate so that they are folded against the roof of the mouth when the mouth is closed and are automatically brought forward when the mouth is opened. These fangs are used to inject venom into the prey. The poison of the copperhead is hemolytic, meaning it causes the breakdown of red blood cells in the bitten animal and this eventually subdues the animal, allowing the snake to easily swallow it.
In an animal as small as a chihuahua, the venom could have killed it. But then again, why wasn't the dog eaten?
Maybe it wasnt small enough?
2006-06-13 15:13:31 · answer #2 · answered by Fred Said...クリスティー 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a snake bite to me - there are many poisonous snakes in the Carolinas. A dog that small could have died before an allergic reaction caused any swelling. An autopsy would be the only way to tell for sure.
2006-06-13 19:18:56 · answer #3 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best way determine the cause of death is take the body to a vet and let them perform an autopsy. My guess would be a snake bite though... and on the neck the poison would've gotten in so quickly there probably wasn't time for any localized swelling.
2006-06-13 15:07:35 · answer #4 · answered by J.D. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the two bite marks was side by side, then it was possible a snake bit your dog. Snake venom can kill a dog especially a very small dog like chihuahas. Older dogs have immune systems that can fight the poisonous venom, but puppies immune system aren't developed strongly yet. I do believe your puppy may have got bitten by a snake. I have also had a dog die from snake bite so i know it can kill dogs.
2006-06-13 15:20:22 · answer #5 · answered by badgirl41 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How many teeth in the bite marks?It could have been a snake but,it could have been a bigger dog.Was his neck broken?Was there anything other than the bite marks?It could have been anything.
2006-06-13 15:09:16 · answer #6 · answered by SugarLumps 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd have to see the bite mark to tell you, but a snake is certainly an option. If he died due to the bite, then there would not be any swelling.
2006-06-13 15:05:23 · answer #7 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
RACCOON!!!!!
If they feel threatened or cornered they can do great damage to a large dog.
Did you have any type of pet food or garbage stored anywhere in the area, even sealed up in cans with lids? If a 'coon was going after something he thought was food, and your little guy got in the way, well...
I'm sorry for your loss.
2006-06-13 15:24:19 · answer #8 · answered by vettebon76 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't know if you have them but fox and coyote love to eat small dogs and cats. It might have gotten scared away. They would go for his neck first.
2006-06-13 15:48:08 · answer #9 · answered by heartwhisperer2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bet it was that "Chupacabras" character!
Okay that wasn't funny... I lost my dog in a similar way... I feel for you.
2006-06-16 18:33:57 · answer #10 · answered by crazy_monkey_jr010 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋