Pet Emergency & Referral Center
Common Venomous Snakes in South Florida:
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Distinctive diamond-shaped pattern
Largest rattlesnake species in the U.S. (and in the world)
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Distinctive diamond-shaped pattern
Largest rattlesnake species in the U.S. (and in the world)
Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Found near water sources
Dark, often nearly black, with a thick, muscular body
Often confused with non-venomous snakes such as the banded water snake and brown water snake
Pygmy Rattlesnake
Rust colored markings along middle of back
Small snake and darker than the Eastern Diamondback
Don’t rely on the sound to tell you they’re near as the rattle is so small it often not audible.
Pygmy Rattlesnake
Rust colored markings along middle of back
Small snake and darker than the Eastern Diamondback
Don’t rely on the sound to tell you they’re near as the rattle is so small it often not audible.
Coral Snake
Brightly colored: red, yellow, & black bands
“Red touches yellow, kills a fellow; red touches black, friend of Jack”
Coral snakes can vary in appearance, so don't rely on rhymes to identify them! Never handle a snake unless you're very certain it's harmless.
Other Florida Snakes Not Endemic To Our Area:
Copperhead
Light brown or tan with hourglass-shaped crossbands
Rare in Florida, primarily in the northern part of the state
Canebrake or Timber Rattlesnake
Similar to but smaller than the Diamondback
Also found in North Florida in wooded areas
Non-Native Snakes
Florida is also known for people who possess unusual or unconventional pets that can sometimes get away.
Many species of poisonous snakes have been found and reported around the South Florida area including mambas and cobras. So keep this in mind as well since we live in a climate conducive to many species survival.
All snake bites should be taken seriously and evaluated as each of these venomous species can result in serious complications, including life threatening complications.
While cottonmouth and copperhead bites are typically less likely to be life-threatening they still can be and can also cause a great deal of pain as well as serious tissue swelling and tissue destruction. Generally rattlesnake venom is more potent with the Diamondback Rattlesnake being among the top 25 most venomous snakes in the world. These snakes all belong to the group known as crotalid snakes or better known as “pit vipers”. They generally have toxins that result in problems with bleeding, tissue damage, swelling, pain, and cardiovascular problems.
Another group of snake called elapid snakes posses the Coral Snake. These snakes have an entirely different kind of venom that causes paralysis without significant pain or tissue damage at the site of the bite as this is a neuro toxin. These bites can be difficult to spot as there is often minimal bleeding, swelling, or even teeth marks to be found. Since coral snakes are smaller and more colorful they are commonly encountered by smaller dogs and even cats.
Prevention is Key:
It is important to get to know the types of snakes you may find in your area to arm yourself with knowledge so you can be prepared, and calm should an encounter occur!
Create a Snake-Free Zone
Clear debris and tall grasses from your yard to minimize hiding spots for snakes. Install snake-proof fencing around your property if feasible.
Create a Snake-Free Zone
Clear debris and tall grasses from your yard to minimize hiding spots for snakes. Install snake-proof fencing around your property if feasible.
Educate Yourself
Learn to recognize and identify venomous snakes by their distinctive rattle sound, coiled position, & musty cucumber smell. Avoid downed logs & ledges where they can sometimes hide!
Stay Vigilant on Trails
When hiking or walking your pet in wooded areas, keep pets on a leash and stick to cleared paths. Avoid dense vegetation where snakes may be hiding.
Stay Vigilant on Trails
When hiking or walking your pet in wooded areas, keep pets on a leash and stick to cleared paths. Avoid dense vegetation where snakes may be hiding.
Note Peak Activity Times
Snakes are most active during warmer months and tend to seek shade during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid letting your pets roam freely during these times, especially in areas with known rattlesnake populations.
Signs and Symptoms of Snake Bites
Although there are subtle differences between the symptoms and signs depending on the species of snake, the location of bite, the size and type of dog, and the amount of venom injected during the bite, the main signs of a snake bite in a dog or cat include:
Painful reaction
Paired fang marks, often with profuse bleeding or continuous oozing
Immediate and severe swelling at the bite location, especially if on the face
Sudden limping
Collapse followed by apparent recovery
Lethargy
Muscle tremors, shaking and reduced eye blinking
Dilated pupils
Dilated pupils
Sudden onset of weakness/wobbliness (ataxia)
Complete paralysis
Inability to control bladder and bowels
Irregular bleeding from the nose, bit site, mouth
Discolored, dark urine (often bloody)
Vomiting
Not eating
As veterinarians, we generally treat ALL venomous snake bites with antivenin (aka antivenom). While pets with minor signs and symptoms of envenomation are likely to recover with pain management and supportive care alone antivenin administration lessens their symptomology and recovery time as well as lessens their risks of greater problems. Certainly, the earlier antivenin is administered, the better the chance at reducing or preventing life-threatening symptoms and serious illness. Generally, there is a 6 hour window from the time of the bite where antivenin gives the best results.
There is NO at home treatment that is safe or effective for envenomation, and common prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory/pain management treatments can even be detrimental - all pets with snakebites should be evaluated by a veterinarian so that appropriate and safe treatments can be implemented. If left untreated there can be serious complications including fatality.
What Does a Snake Bite Look Like?
Many snake bites occur on the face or forelimb of the pet.
It is not uncommon for pets to react painfully at the time of the bite and often react such as jumping back from the snake or giving out a yelp. Pit viper bites will most often bleed and ooze significantly. Swelling, locally of the bite area, or of the face and/or limbs will often follow but can be immediate or delayed.
You may be able to spot the puncture marks but due to dark colorations of skin and thick fur, it can be hard to find. Also, the fangs of a snake are like needles and may only leave small pin point holes. Lastly, not all bites are “paired” as snakes could be missing a fang or may not have the best aim when biting.
Coral Snake bites are almost always difficult to identify, if not impossible due to their smaller fangs and teeth and generally smaller size. Most cases of confirmed coral snake envenomation are diagnosed due to witnessed bites or the presence of a coral snake nearby.
If you suspect your dog may have been bitten by a snake, it is important to take note of the signs and symptoms of snake bites in dogs. If you have witnessed your pet being bitten by a snake, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention – the longer your furry friend goes without treatment, the lower the rate of survival and the higher the chance of complications.
If you are unsure of a snake’s identity and only if there is time, take a picture of the snake (or designate someone to take a picture of the snake) if possible and if safe for you to do so for ID purposes at the hospital.
