FREE SHIPPING on ALL Training Supplies! Use Coupon Code SUMMERRESCUE at checkout! Shop Now >
10% OFF on ALL Books and DVDs! Use Coupon Code BOOKS4SAFETY at checkout! Shop Now >
10% OFF on ALL First Aid Supplies! Use Coupon Code BANDAIDREADY at checkout! Shop Now >
Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.
Signs of a snake bite include a bleeding puncture wound (or two near each other), bruising and sloughing of the skin over the bitten area, bleeding that does not stop, pain, swelling of the bitten area, reddening, weakness, collapse, vomiting, paralysis, twitching, drooling, seizures, and signs of shock.
Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.
Attempt to identify the snake (color, patterns, size, if rattle) but DO NOT go too close.
Take your dog to the nearest veterinary hospital immediately.
Try to keep your dog as calm and immobile as possible; carry them if possible.
DO NOT cut the bite wound area and DO NOT suck the venom out!
Poisonous snakes in the United States include:
Pit Vipers – this includes Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and Cottonmouths. Pit Vipers have a depression between their nose and eyes. Their fangs can retract, and their heads are triangular in shape.
Coral Snakes – These snakes have fangs that are at the rear of the mouth and are not retractable. They can be up to 3 ft long. They are red, yellow and black in alternating bands.
No, do not apply ice or a tourniquet to a venomous snake bite.
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.
Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Register Now!
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.
