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Now the viper wakes up after hibernation. In several places in southern Norway, sightings of snakes basking in the spring sun have already been reported. This is bad news for our dogs.
– Every year we treat many dogs with snake bites. It is highly variable how sick dogs get, we lost two dogs a few years ago despite intensive treatment that included an antidote. These were large, basically healthy dogs that we expected to recover from treatment. In any case, viper bites should be viewed as an acute case requiring veterinary treatment as soon as possible, says Tor Kvinge, veterinarian and general manager of AniCura Animal Hospital, in a Tryg Insurance news release.
It is not always easy to see what the dog is missing in the wild, so it is good to know what symptoms to look for.
– A clear sign may be that your dog is howling in the forest. A snake bite can appear on the skin as two small holes or dots next to each other. If there was venom in the bite, there is a strong and often blood-red swelling around the bite that can spread along the affected body part, Kvinge explains.
Acute lameness and pain.
After a severe viper bite, a strong and tender swelling occurs that increases in size hour by hour, and severe pain continues until a few days after the bite. Typically, the dog tires within an hour after the bite. It is extremely rare for swelling to occur in the trachea of the dog with respiratory problems as a result.
– The poison can cause damage to blood vessels, drop in blood pressure, dizziness, lethargy, disorders of the cardiovascular system and loss of consciousness. The dog can also go into shock, says the experienced vet.
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In the event of an accident, it is recommended to have dog insurance. For many, it can mean financial security if treatment becomes lengthy and expensive.
Make the dog relax
It is easy to panic if you discover that the dog has been bitten by a viper, but it is important for the dog owner to remain calm and at the same time try to calm the dog.
– Before going to the vet, the dog must remain calm and rest, since muscular activity accelerates the spread of the poison. A small dog can be taken out of the place and, if possible, a large dog should not walk very much either. The sting should not be sucked or cooled, and no attempt should be made to stop blood circulation to the sting site with compounds, Kvinge says.
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