What To Do If Your Dachshund Is Bitten

What To Do If Your Dachshund Is Bitten By A Snake#/TITLE#
Only a few varieties of snakes in North America are poisonous to dogs. The rattlesnake, copperhead, water moccasin (the cottonmouth), mangrove, coral and California lyre are the most commonly found poisonous reptiles. Of these, the rattlesnake’s bite accounts for approximately 80 percent of all fatalities.

Snake bites demand immediate first-aid treatment by the owner and intensive veterinary treatment as quickly as possible. The venom’s progress can be restricted by use of a tourniquet when the bite is on a leg or tail. Place the tourniquet snugly above the wound site. The tourniquet may be fashioned from hosiery, rope, a rubber band, a bungee cord or even a shirt sleeve.

Next, make a single-line incision through the cutaneous layer, slightly into the muscle fascia at the bite site. Express the venom by squeezing the wound. If a bulb syringe is available, use it. Allow the wound site to slowly ooze blood. If ice is available, pack it around the area but not directly over the wound. Ice also helps to slow the venom’s progress.

Immobilize the Dachshund: do not allow it to walk. Carry the dog to your vehicle for quick, direct transportation to the nearest veterinary clinic. Any movement of the Dachshund will increase heart, metabolic and respiration rates and, at the same time, the spread of the venom.