Snake Bites in New York State

Snake bites are not a common occurrence in our area, but they are important to discuss because they can be serious and even life threatening.  Out of the 17 species of snakes in New York, 3 are venomous. These are members of the Crotalinae subfamily, referred to as Crotalids or pit vipers, and are the Timber Rattlesnake, Massasauga (also a rattlesnake), and Copperhead. While venomous snake bites will require immediate medical attention, bites from most of the snakes in our area will typically only cause local irritation and infection. However, it is always a good idea to check with your veterinarian if your pet is bitten.

Snakes are a beneficial part of the ecosystem – they are excellent rodent and insect control and thus helpful to have around for our gardens. Most snakes will try to avoid people and pets and only bite as the last resort. While humans will often wisely walk away from a snake encounter, our curious or prey-driven pets are not always inclined to do the same.

Hiking is a common time a dog will encounter a snake. Keeping your dog from wandering off and exploring holes or high grass will help limit the chances of an encounter. Do not let your pets explore dead snakes as some can still bite after death and inject venom. This includes a decapitated head.

Learning the difference between venomous and nonvenomous snakes can be helpful, but it is still best to avoid all snakes as even a bite from a nonvenomous snake can cause irritation, infection, and pain. If you think your pet is bitten, please remove collars and harnesses as they can be constricting and proceed to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Use a slip leash or carrier to safely contain your pet. Do not delay with at-home first-aid. If you can identify the snake safely, do so. Do not kill the snake if possible – a photo can also identify them.

Crotalid venom can cause local and systemic effects. It is mainly hemotoxic, meaning it destroys red blood cells, as well as an anticoagulant. This can cause local tissue damage, clotting disorders, heart, lung and kidney damage, and even mild neurological defects. Pets can present in shock with multiple organ damage. Some rattlesnakes, such as the Mojave and Eastern diamondback, have neurotoxic venom, but those are not found in the New York area.

Treatment is aimed at stabilizing the patient if they are in shock, providing pain relief and antibiotics (if bacterial contamination or significant necrosis of the skin is noted), and neutralizing the venom, when appropriate. Since the local tissue around a bite can become very necrotic, wound care is often needed, sometimes for weeks following the bite. Some veterinary emergency hospitals will carry antivenin, but it is not always warranted or beneficial. Antivenin works best if administered in the first 4-6 hours following a bite. Your veterinarian can determine if antivenin is indicated.

Prognosis varies and depends on the size of the pet, type of snake, number and location of bites, amount of venom injected, time between bite and treatment, and the pet’s own individual health status and susceptibility to the venom.

Snakes are not always viewed with the same affection as other wildlife, but they are important, and learning how to coexist in our area is ideal. However, if an encounter does result in a bite, it is important to know the steps to take to get treatment needed. With fast and appropriate therapy, most pets will survive snake bite envenomation.