Rattlesnake season is here. Did you know that rattlesnakes are responsible for the majority of all snakebite injuries in North America? 

If you’re often outdoors with your dog in an area where rattlesnakes are present, you should talk to your vet about the rattlesnake vaccine. It’s a common misconception that only dogs who hike or camp with their owners are bitten, when in fact, a majority of all rattlesnake bites to dogs happen within yards of their own homes. 

If your dog is bitten by a rattlesnake, it’s important not to panic but also to act quickly. Having your first-aid kit essentials ready can make all the difference.

0–5 Minutes: Assess the Situation

If you see a rattlesnake bite your dog:

• Get your dog away from the snake safely (use clapping, calling, or leash-tugging). Your dog may yelp, back away, or even try to fight the snake.
• Do not approach the snake yourself—you risk getting bitten too.
• Once you’re at a safe distance, check for bite marks. Do not touch the bite site with your fingers—venom can enter your bloodstream through any cuts or nicks on your hands.

How to tell if your dog was bitten by a rattlesnake:

• visible puncture wounds
• sudden swelling around the bite area
• signs of pain, agitation, or drooling
• you heard a rattle nearby or saw the strike

If you’re unsure, treat it like a venomous bite to be safe. Carry your dog if possible—exertion spreads venom faster.

5–30 Minutes: Get to the Vet Immediately

The most urgent step is getting to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic.

• Call the clinic on your way so they can prepare antivenom.
• If possible, elevate the bite site above your dog’s heart.
• Keep your dog calm and immobilized.

Remember: rattlesnake bites are extremely painful—handle gently to avoid being bitten by an agitated pup.

How long can a dog survive a rattlesnake bite without treatment? Not long. Immediate veterinary care gives your pup the best chance for survival!

30–60 Minutes: Dos and Don’ts

When it comes to rattlesnake bites in dogs, some myths can do more harm than good.

❌ Don’ts:

• Do NOT use a tourniquet on your dog’s bite area! Rattlesnake bites are particularly hemotoxic which means they damage platelets, red blood cells, and clotting proteins. Concentrating the venom at the bite site increases the likelihood of killing all the surrounding tissue. Because clotting proteins are affected, a tourniquet will not stop the bleeding which is one reason it’s so important to rush to a veterinary office. 
• Do NOT try to “suck” the venom out of the wound or use any other method for “extracting” venom. Don’t rub anything into the wound and do not use a knife to create an “X” over the bite to release some of the toxins! This will only cause a wound. 
• Do NOT put ice on the bite area, even as it starts to swell! This will cause necrosis in the affected tissue and won’t lessen the effects of the toxin itself.

✅ Do understand what makes bites more serious. Every snake’s venom is different and a lot of factors influence how toxic any particular snake’s venom is. 

• Younger snakes, for example, or snakes who haven’t bitten anything in a while may release more potent venom. 
• Venom works by destroying the body’s tissue. As that tissue is destroyed, fluid rushes into the dead space which causes drastic, sometimes deadly drops in blood pressure. The smaller the dog, the less tissue they have to “lose” without ill-effect. 
• Where your dog is bitten is also important. Being bitten on the face or legs is actually preferable to being bitten anywhere else on the body. Swelling to these areas is restricted which minimizes the toxin’s ability to spread. The only exception is the neck area where swelling can restrict breathing.

1 Hour – 2 Hours: Listen to the Veterinarian

The way the emergency veterinarian chooses to treat your dog will have a lot to do with the kind of snake that bit him. Of course, it’s not always possible to know exactly what kind of snake bit your dog (NEVER try to capture a snake to bring it in for identification!) but experienced veterinarians know which signs point to which species of snake. 

What happens at the vet after a rattlesnake bite:

• Antivenom injection(s) to neutralize venom and treatment for the prevention of shock symptoms
• IV fluids or antibiotic courses to prevent infection
• Pain management for comfort
• Monitoring overnight for complications

The prognosis for dogs who are bitten by rattlesnakes is good—as long as you get to the vet as quickly as possible! The sooner antivenom can be administered, the less serious the effects.