BACKGROUND

Each year more than 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes.

Every year it is estimated that more than 150,000 dogs are bitten by snakes.

Even a bite from a non-venomous snake can be dangerous, as the risk of infection and trauma is high.

Generally the people most at risk are hikers, picnickers and campers.

Dogs that are bitten are often curious and may be chasing critters.

WHICH POISONOUS SNAKES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BITES

Rattlesnakes

Copperheads

Corla snakes

Water Moccasins

TREATMENT OF A SNAKE BITE

Every snakebite should be treated as an emergency.

Try and identify the snake as this information may be required by the hospital.

Wash the wound with soup and water.

Immobilize the area and keep it lower than the heart to lesson blooddflow.

IF YOU APPLY A TOURNIQUE KEEP IT LOOSE ENOUGH TO ALLOW BLOODFLOW

ONLY ATTEMPT TO "SUCK" THE VENOM OUT IF MEDICAL CARE IS AN HOUR OR MORE AWAY

Keep victim calm and relaxed.

Monitor vital signs.