How to Determine if a Snake is Venomous

When a dog is bit by a snake, how do you know if the snake was venomous or nonvenomous?

There are over 150,000 venomous snake bites that occur to dogs and cats every year in North America. It is estimated that 99% of bites to pets are from a family of venomous snakes known as pit vipers. Members of the pit viper family include rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins.

Here are some tips to help you identify a venomous pit viper from a nonvenomous snake:

Snake Characteristics	Venomous	Nonvenomous
Eyes	Elliptical pupils	Round pupils
Head	Broad triangular head	Rounded narrow head
Teeth	Prominent fangs- can be retracted so may not be seen	Often have many small teeth
Face	Deep pit between nostril and eye	No pit
Size	Size of snake does not determine if it is venomous	Size of snake does not determine if it is venomous
Length	Size of snake does not determine if it is venomous	Size of snake does not determine if it is venomous

All snake bites, even nonvenomous bites, can be dangerous. All bites have the risk of causing infection or allergic reactions. Any bite to a dog should be evaluated by a veterinarian.