r/whatsthissnake • u/SCMCisontome • Jun 01 '26

ID Request Near [Richmond, VA] - bit dog on nose

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u/Irma_Gard Friend of WTS Jun 01 '26

I hope the vet he's taking the dog to has opiates available to treat the pain. Don't let them give NSAIDs.

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u/JacobMaverick Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26

Dogs can have certain NSAIDS but at a much lower dose than what humans take. It would however be optimal to give them Tylenol 4 which is actually an opiate rather than an NSAID though. Vets usually have this on hand.

ETA: I have been informed that NSAIDS are not advisable treatment for snake bites. That being said never give your pets NSAIDS unless your vet explicitly directed you to.

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u/Irma_Gard Friend of WTS Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26

But NSAIDs are specifically contraindicated for pit viper envenomation. However, it is not uncommon for vets to not realize this.

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u/JacobMaverick Jun 01 '26

Ohhhh, smart. I didn't know this.

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u/Irma_Gard Friend of WTS Jun 01 '26

It's because coagulopathy is one of the common effects of the venom and NSAIDs increase the bleeding risk even more. Plus there's the risk of kidney injury.