Is a snake bite (rattlesnake or copperhead) fatal for a big dog?

Question

My dog wasn't bit, but I am moving from a suburban area to a rural area, and am just trying to get educated. Thank you!

Answer 1

it depends on the dose the dog gets. The dog may get a fatal dose or may just get a partial. If the dog is bitten, it may be able to take anti-venin although not all dogs can tolerate it. keep in mind that there are other poisonous snakes that can also kill such as the moccassin that do not rattle. My own dog got bitten and was allergic to the anti-venin and died from the bite.
if rattlers are a big concern there are some rattlesnake avoidance courses you can take your dog to. Here's one of many http://www.patrickcallaghan.com/

Answer 2

Besides affecting the blood itself, a rattlesnake bite disrupts the integrity of the blood vessels. Combined with the change of normal blood clotting mechanisms, this can lead to dramatic swelling, with up to a third of the total blood circulation being lost into the tissues in a matter of hours. Sometimes, if the swelling persists despite antivenin treatment, so much blood is lost from circulation that the dog dies of shock.


Some people mistakenly believe that rattlers are active only during the hottest hours. Actually, they often rest during the heat of the day, sheltered from the sun. Like their predominantly rodent prey, these snakes are instead most active during the evening, night and morning hours.

It’s a good idea to keep your pet on a leash when hiking or exploring rattlesnake habitat, so that if you hear a rattle, you can keep your pet away from the snake. If your dog is bitten by a rattlesnake do not use ice or other cold applications and that you do not apply a tourniquet as these may increase the dog’s anxiety and cause him to struggle, making the effects of the snakebite worse. Instead, keep your dog as calm and quiet as possible and drive immediately to the nearest veterinarian.

Answer 3

Probably so, not sure. I've had a dog get bitten by a snake and she was sick and swollen for a few days, drank a lot of water, and recovered. You might need to ask a vet this question.

Answer 4

My advise to you is : go urgent to a vet because it coed be fatal for the dog!!!!!!

Answer 5

yes.they have anti-coagulant in their venom and your dog will slowly bleed to death internally.If you see a veterinarian, they will give medications that are relatively inexpensive and life saving, if it is seen early.Otherwise, you could be looking at thousands-blood transfusions and the like.good luck!!