Most humans have an innate fear of snakes, but if you've ever seen a dog encounter a serpent, you may have been surprised to see that they don't share our phobia. In fact, dogs have a playful curiosity that can quickly result in an unhappy dog bitten by a snake.

Learn more about some of the most common signs that your dog has been bitten and how to treat a snake bite on a dog if it does happen. Time plays a critical role in your dog's health should you ever find yourself in this situation.

Clinical Signs of a Dog Bitten by a Snake

It's simple enough if you actually see the bite, but snake bite symptoms can be tricky to discover in a furry dog. One of the most common sites that a snake bites is the dog's face. Signs often develop within 30 minutes of a bite, and a swollen muzzle is a telltale sign. Dual puncture wounds can be evidence of fangs, and they may ooze red or red-tinged liquid. Swelling is also common, and local discoloration may occur given enough time. If the bite was venomous, shock may set in, and it may present symptoms in the form of:

• Pale gums
• Mental dullness
• Exaggerated respiration
• Collapsing
• Tremors
• Slow breathing
• Excessive drooling

Rapid and progressive weakness can be a common and frightening thing for pet parents to witness.

One thing to remember: Snakes that are poisonous to people are not only poisonous to dogs (and cats) but are typically more dangerous because most pets have a much smaller body size than the average person.

Was Your Dog Bitten by a Snake? Here's What to Do

Snake envenomation can pose real danger. If you saw the snake bite your dog, you should take immediate action. While there is no way of knowing if envenomation has occurred after simply witnessing the bite, knowing which steps to take should your dog be bitten is vital:

1. Remove your dog from the snake as quickly as possible. If the snake is still present, make sure to avoid getting bitten yourself.
2. If you have your phone with you, try and take a picture of the snake to help the veterinarian identify the species, and in the case of a venomous snake, what type of venom it might have.
3. Promptly carry the dog to the car and head to the veterinarian.
4. Call the vet to let them know you're on your way. If you know the snake species already, share this information so that they can adequately prepare.
5. Keep the bite site below heart level, if possible.
6. Try to keep your pup, as well as yourself, calm. Our pets feed off our anxiety so keeping calm is essential.

Getting to the vet promptly is your number one concern. Try not to get distracted by taking on any first aid tactics. According to a peer-reviewed article in Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Medicine, first aid measures have not been shown to prevent morbidity or mortality following snake bites in dogs.

Diagnosing a Dog Bitten by a Snake

There are over 3,000 species of snakes worldwide, and over 600 of these are venomous, according to National Geographic. Vipers, pit vipers, rattlesnakes, sea snakes and coral snakes all pose a threat to dogs and humans alike. If you are unable to identify the snake species that bit your dog, your vet's expertise in assessing and treating your pup is even more important.

If you aren't sure what type of snake bit your dog, the vet will apply treatment based upon the observation of bite wounds and the presence of compatible clinical signs. There is no veterinary lab test to check for the presence of venom, but your vet will want to run lab work to determine the extent of any damage to the internal organs and blood cells.