In Case of Emergency: What happens if a Rattlesnake bites you or Your Pet?

**If a rattlesnake has bitten you or your pet seek immediate medical treatment!**

Any possible rattlesnake (or other venomous snakebite) should be treated as an emergency as serious consequences such as loss of limb, permanent disability, or death may occur. Luckily, modern medical practices for humans and our pet family members are very good at preventing the most serious consequences in most cases. In all cases, the time from when the individual is bitten to when they can receive treatment is crucial. The guidelines below are our recommendation for what to do in case of a snakebite emergency.

When you realize you, another person, or a pet family member may have been bitten:

  1. Quickly scan the area to ensure that the snake is not able to strike the bitten individual again or anyone else. If the snake has left the area, move on to the following steps. If the snake is still nearby, move away from the snake. DO NOT attempt to approach, kill, maim, photograph, or engage the snake—move to safety.
  2. Contact emergency services. Dial 911 for a human. Drive your pet family member to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic; be sure to call ahead to inform them you have an animal that has been bitten by a rattlesnake.
  3. Have the person or pet sit or lie down and encourage them to relax until receiving further direction from emergency services. The actual position of the body does not matter, keep them as calm and as stationary as possible.
  4. Remove any restrictive clothing or accessories near the site of the bite. In many cases, the venom will cause the local tissue to swell causing constriction. Emergency personnel are likely to cut off clothing so this is the time to remove them intact.
  5. DO NOT attempt to tourniquet, suck, cool, heat, cut, or otherwise attempt to remove or impede the venom. Once introduced into the body it cannot be removed, the best policy is to seek medical treatment.
  6. DO NOT give the person or pet any medications (including painkillers like Advil, Tylenol, or Aspirin), alcohol, or any other substance to calm them. The bite is likely to hurt immediately and progressively become more painful over time. However, leave the prescription of medication to medical personnel.
  7. Watch to make sure the bitten individual remains conscious and able to breath. In some cases, CPR may be necessary.
  8. Proceed to emergency care as soon as possible.