What to know, do and have on hand when snake-bite season comes around.
People that live in rural areas and have dogs often recognise a snake bite instantly and know that it is vital to respond to the situation immediately. But they may not know there are homeopathic remedies that can also help.
First. If you are a dog owner, be sure you brush up on your knowledge on what signs to look out for and what first response you should take if a snake bites your dog.
Recognise the signs of a snake bite victim
The first signs of a snake bite can be:
- Sudden sharp yelp or cry when bitten
- Sudden limping if your dog has been bitten on the leg
- If bitten on the face the dog will paw the bite as if to remove something
- Visible fang marks or puncture wounds
The later signs of your dog having been bitten, in case you weren’t around when it happen, may include:
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Muscle tremor/shaking
- Unsteady hind legs
- Difficulty blinking
- Inability to open it’s mouth or use facial muscles
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Sudden collapse with unusual quick recovery (under half an hour)
- Paralysis
- Dark or bloody urine
- Bleeding from mouth, nose or anus
First response for a snake bite
The things you should do if you know or suspect your dog is bitten by a snake:
- Keep your dog very calm. Do not let them walk.
- Immobilise the bitten area to restrict the venom travelling via the lymph system
- If bitten in a limb try to firmly wrap the limb in a large area, above the bite
- Try to keep your dog hydrated
- Keep the bitten area lower than the heart
- Carry them if you have to move them.
- Seek medical advice
Luckily some dog breeds have a level of natural resistance to the venom, as they were either exposed to or bred for snake detection, such as the Australian Terrier. But they still should be treated.
Get prepared now with a homeopathic kit of first aid remedies
There are various brilliant homeopathic remedies that can be used as a first response to snake bites.
If you live in an area where animals get bitten often, then please call me to arrange an appointment to get many tips and to receive an exactly tailored kit of remedies for a first aid response in preparation for when the warm snake season next comes around.
