

Dog symptoms include panting, seizures, tremors, drooling and lethargy. A lot of problems can happen due to a rattlesnake bite. This snake is different from most rattlesnakes, in that its iconic "rattle" is exceptionally quiet - hardly louder than an insect's buzz. Only about one foot in size, the pygmy rattler of Florida is blotched and grayish with a reddish-brown stripe down its back. Also, the pygmy rattlesnake, Florida's small rattler, can be a problem as well. The Eastern diamondback is a large snake known to jump as much as two-thirds its body length, and the timber rattlesnake is known for its camouflage. It's important to point out that none of them necessarily will make that iconic "rattle" sound before there's a potentially deadly bite. There are three different types of venomous rattlesnakes native to Florida: the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake and the pigmy rattler. Symptoms may begin to appear in as little as one hour, and quick action is necessary. The bite itself will normally swell and cause pain. Effects on a dog can be horrible, as these snakes produce a cytotoxic venom, which can destroy the victim's tissue and cause necrosis. These semi-aquatic, typically brown snakes prefer swamps and lakes and are also one of the more common snakes that bite in south Florida. Florida Cottonmouth SnakesĬottonmouths (or "water moccasins") are infamous for being fairly aggressive (somewhat unfairly), often standing their ground rather than slithering away. Antivenom, which is not always available given a shortage in 2012, should be administered within a few hours of a bite in order for it to be effective. But twitching, rapid breathing, salivation and strange movements may correspond with a coral snake bite on your dog. The bite itself may not even cause swelling. They don't spit venom they hold down their bite to drip venom into the wound. Their neurotoxic venom is one of the most potent in the United States, causing major respiratory failure in as little as 18 hours. Florida, Louisiana and many of the coastal plains of the Carolinas are home to this snake, which loves to burrow, popping to the surface during rainy seasons. The old mnemonic "red on yellow kills a fellow" refers to the infamous coral snake. If any of these snakes have bitten your dog or cat, it's important to connect with a veterinarian as quickly as possible. There are six common Florida snakes that are quite venomous for both dogs and humans: coral snakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, pigmy rattlers, Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes and timber rattlesnakes. Types of Poisonous Snakes in Florida For Pets One moment a dog is sniffing on a hiking trail and the next there's yelping, bleeding, and shaking! What should a pet owner do, and how can one avoid interactions with Florida's poisonous snakes? A snake bite on a dog or cat can be a terrifying thing to experience as a pet parent, so here's what to watch out for as well as some tips on what to do to avoid these tense situations.
