Protect your dog from snakebites
Canines can suffer as much or even more than humans

Canines can suffer as much or even more than humansAs search and rescue dog team members, my flanker and I must be alert and diligently observant when working a search site with my dog Ammo. While we are constantly scanning the area for clues and watching the dog's body language for an indication that he has picked up human scent, we must also be aware of any possible dangers.
One of the most serious threats we face in the field is the chance that one of us could be bitten by a poisonous snake. Because we train in remote areas of North Texas, we are usually some distance from any medical facilities for either human or canine. So all team members carry snakebite kits and know how to administer first aid in case of a snakebite.
There are four varieties of poisonous snakes in the United States: cottonmouth moccasin, rattlesnake, copperhead and coral snake. More than 8,000 people annually are victims of snakebites in the United States, but according to most estimates, only 12 to 15 of these bites are fatal. There are no records kept on a national level of the number of dogs that suffer from snakebites.
According to the book, "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" by Dr. James M. Griffin, a "people" doctor, and veterinarian Dr. Lisa Carlson, the diagnosis of a poisonous snakebite is made by the appearance of the bite (harmless snakes show teeth marks in the shape of a horseshoe, but there are no fang marks), by the behavior of the animal and by identification of the species of snake. Symptoms of a dog that has been snake-bitten depend on the size and species of the snake, location of the bite and amount of toxin absorbed into the system. The first signs are extreme restlessness, panting, drooling and weakness. They are followed by diarrhea, collapse, sometimes seizures and shock and, in severe cases, death.
Griffin and Carlson advise that the first treatment for all snakebites is to identify the snake and look at the bite. If you believe that your dog has been bitten by a poisonous snake, Griffin and Carlson recommend the following:

• Restrain the dog. Snakebites are extremely painful. Look the dog over carefully for fang marks, noting that there may be more than one bite wound.
• Apply a flat tourniquet above the bite. It should not be as tight as an arterial tourniquet but should be tight enough to keep venous blood from returning to the heart.
• Loosen the tourniquet for 30 seconds every half hour.
• Keep the dog quiet. Excitement, exercise and struggling increase the rate of venom absorption into the dog's blood stream.
• Carry your dog to the veterinarian.

The doctors also warn that there are few things a dog owner should not do if his dog is bitten. First, do not use a knife or razor blade to make a slit or "x" through the fang marks. This can be a very dangerous practice and could cause more harm than good. Also, do not attempt to suck the venom from the wound. Both doctors and veterinarians agree that this is could endanger a would-be rescuer.
A dog owner can take some precautions to prevent snakebites. While out walking, controlling your dog with a leash may be your best safety device. Do not allow your dog to explore holes in the ground or dig under logs, flat rocks or planks. When walking in wooded areas, stay on open paths where snakes are more visible. Because rattlesnakes are nocturnal, keep nighttime walks to a minimum. If you hear a rattlesnake, keep your dog at your side until you locate the snake, then move away. If your dog seems unusually curious about "something" hidden in the grass, call the dog back to your side and back off immediately until you know what it is that has gotten the dog's attention.
Another concern that a dog owner might face when in the field with his dog are bites and stings from insects, spiders and other venomous arthropods.
Brandon Rogers of Wichita Falls was playing outside with his Labrador retriever, Abby, when she crossed paths with a yellow jacket. Abby found out the hard way that the stings of yellow jackets cause painful swelling at the site of the sting. If stung many times, Abby could have gone into shock as a result of absorbing toxins.
Rogers examined the site and had antihistamine ointment on hand in case the swelling did not subside quickly. He was also prepared to take Abby his vet if she became distressed.
Dogs that have been strung before can develop a hypersensitivity reactions to later insect bites. The bites from black widow spiders, Missouri brown spiders and tarantulas are also toxic to animals. The stings of centipedes and scorpions cause local reaction and at times a severe illness. The signs are sharp pain at the sting site, later developing into chills, fever, labored breathing, and even shock.
Griffin and Carlson give the following advice for owners whose pets have been the victim of an insect bite. First, identify the insect if possible. If the pet has been strung by a bee and the stringer is still in place, remove it with a pair of tweezers. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the sting site. Use an ice pack temporarily to relieve swelling and pain. To relieve itching, apply Calamine lotion. If there are signs of an acute hypersensitivity or toxic reaction, take your dog to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.
All pet owners should remember that their four-legged friends can fall victim to the creeping, crawling or buzzing hazards of the great outdoors. You must be on the lookout for pests and varmints that could be dangerous and know what to do if your dog tangles with one. It is a good idea to have your veterinarian's telephone number memorized so you can call quickly it the need arises. Your vet usually can determine if you can treat your dog with home remedies or if it is an emergency that requires a doctor's attention.