How To Protect Your Pets During Snake Season

Khadeeja (DJ) Fatima with the Humane Society of North Texas
6 days ago
4 min read

Suede, an adorable Great Dane HSNT Alum, relaxes at home on a sunny day in a vast green field under a clear blue sky. Photo credits Haute Dog Photography.

Summer in North Texas means longer days, backyard evenings, and something most pet parents don't think about until it's too late: snake season. When Suede, a Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) alum, came inside one evening with a paw swollen to nearly three times its normal size, her family didn't hesitate. They removed her collar, got her in the car, and drove straight to the emergency vet. Every second felt like it counted, and they moved as if it did.

It turned out to be an allergic reaction, not a snakebite. But the fear in those first few minutes was real, and it raised a question every North Texas pet parent should be able to answer before they ever need to: would you know what to do if a snake bit your pet?

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, an estimated 100,000 venomous snakebites occur in dogs and cats every year in the United States, with mortality rates ranging from 1% to as high as 30% depending on the size of the pet, the species of the snake, and where on the body the bite occurs. Summer is peak season. And especially for North Texas pet owners, that risk is very real.

What's Out There

Texas is home to all four venomous snake species found in the United States: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins), and coral snakes. That's not meant to alarm you, but it is worth noting. This is especially important if your pet spends time in the yard, on trails, or anywhere near brush, tall grass, or standing water.

Our pets are naturally curious, which puts them at higher risk than we might expect. They investigate with their nose, face, and paws, which is exactly where bites most often occur. According to Dr. Christine Rutter, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, dogs are most commonly bitten on their head, while cats are most commonly bitten on their paws.

And it doesn't always look like what you'd expect. Suede's story is a perfect example. Sudden swelling can indicate a bite, but it can also indicate an allergic reaction, an insect sting, or a spider bite. A vet is the only one who can tell the difference, which is why waiting is never the right call.

Prompt Response Matters

Suede's owner shared that the National Snakebite Support group on Facebook had the right resources to help her during this distressing situation. Their reference guides are clear, and here's what they say to do:

Get your pet away from the snake immediately.
Remove the collar, leash, or harness right away, because if swelling reaches the neck or face, a collar can suffocate your pet fast.
Keep your pet as calm and still as possible, because movement speeds up circulation and spreads venom faster.
If you can safely take a photo of the snake, do it, but don't chase it, don't try to catch or kill it. A photo helps the vet identify the species and choose the right treatment.
Lastly, always remember to call ahead to the emergency vet before you arrive so they can confirm antivenom is in stock. If it's after hours or a weekend, go directly to a 24-hour specialty or emergency hospital even if the drive is a few hours.

Home treatments are not only ineffective but can sometimes make the situation worse. Human medications like NSAIDs or Benadryl could cause serious complications when venom is involved. Ice, wound suction, and tourniquets are also ineffective and can cause additional harm. The ASPCA reiterates this directly by making it clear to not attempt to suck out the venom. The only right move is getting to a vet as fast as possible.

Be Prepared, Not Scared

We're so glad Suede is home and healthy. Her family's quick thinking and acting

without delay is exactly the kind of response that saves lives. If this story stays with you, let it do something useful. Save the number for your nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital in your phone today. Join the National Snakebite Support group on Facebook for expert resources and real-time guidance. And share this post with your fellow North Texas pet parents, because the best time to know what to do is before you ever need to. At Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT), we believe that informed, prepared pet owners are one of the most powerful tools we have for keeping animals safe. Stories like Suede's remind us why that work matters.

Note: This blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you believe your pet has been bitten by a snake, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately.