Snake bite

Question
We have a rat terrior mix breed, well awhile ago we noticed her face started swelling very bad around her top lips. I dont know if a snake bit her or what or should I be worried. Trying to give her benedryl but I dont know if its gonna help. What do you think?

Answer
Hi Larry,

Benadryl can indeed help, as an antihistamine and it's used for acute inflammatory and allergic conditions such as:

Snake bites

Vaccination reactions

Blood transfusion reactions

Bee stings and insect bites

The first eight hours being the most critical. Watch your dog for signs are extreme restlessness, panting, drooling and weakness or diarrhea.

Your dog might be drowsy after receiving the Benadryl. Be sure to give your dog the correct dose: dogs under 30 lbs can get 10 mg every 8 hours. Liquid Benadryl is too high in alcohol content to be safely used for animals. You should only use capsule or pill form.

Since you don't know what kind of snake might have bit your dog, you should contact your vet's office, and tell them what's happened, and that you gave your dog Benadryl. They would be the ones to best advise you as to whether or not your dog needs to be examined or if he needs anti-venom. Even if the snake was non-poisonous, your dog should be inoculated against tetanus.

Best of luck,

Patti