My dog's nose is swollen after a copperhead bite. What can I do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 13th, 2019

  Hello. I think you can safely say that Jagger will not die from his snake encounter, but he really needs to be on antibiotics. I would truly try to find a way to come up with some money. You can try CareCredit.com or Scratchpay.com as a payment solution, sell something on-line, or see if there are any friends or family members that can lend you some money. Again, Jagger will probably not die from this, but he will feel a whole lot better if he can receive some form of treatment for the snakebite. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

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• Answered By Rebecca, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 5th, 2017

  If it all possible please or really should see a veterinarian, for pain medication and assessment. However if not possible-. Continue giving Benadryl until the swelling goes down, monitor for any signs of infection or sloughing of the skin. Copperhead bites can often cause infection or abscesses, or cause tissue to die and slough off. If this occurs please find a way to get bruiser to the veterinarian as he will need systemic medication. Ideally he should be on pain control right now however do not give over-the-counter pain medication. If he becomes too painful to eat then you will need to find a way to get him to a vet to get appropriate medication for him.
  
  Try to keep him fairly quiet for the next 24 to 48 hours and monitor his eating drinking urination and defecation. If he shows any signs of complications from the bite wound them please seek veterinary care. I hope Bruiser is feeling better soon. Thank you for using PetCoach.
  
  https://www.petcoach.co/article/first-aid-for-snake-bites-in-dogs/
  
  https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/snakebite-envenomization

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful