I was at work. When I came home my parents said the dogs were barking at a rattlesnake. I looked at my dog she has to punch her wounds in her face is swollen. This was about 3 hours ago. All the vets are closed in Rockport Tx
The symptoms you're describing in your dog, such as the puncture wounds on her face and swelling, are consistent with a snake bite, possibly from the rattlesnake encounter mentioned. Snake venom can cause rapid swelling, pain, and tissue damage, and the effects can be serious, particularly with venomous snakes like rattlesnakes.
Firstly, keep your dog calm and as still as possible to prevent the venom from spreading rapidly through her body. Carry her rather than allowing her to walk if you need to move her. Keep the wound at or below the level of her heart.
If you have a first aid kit, you can clean the puncture wounds with mild soap and water. Do not attempt to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet, as these methods are not effective and can cause more harm.
Since all local vets are closed, look for an emergency veterinary clinic or animal hospital in the nearest city, as antivenom may be required. If that's not immediately possible, call a veterinary emergency hotline for guidance on what to do next.
In the meantime, monitor her closely for signs of worsening symptoms such as increased weakness, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures. If any of these occur, it's imperative to seek emergency veterinary care immediately as these are signs of systemic venom effects which can be life-threatening.
Apply a cold compress to the swollen area to help reduce inflammation and provide some pain relief. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, but wrap it in a cloth or towel first.
Ensure she has access to water to keep her hydrated, but don't force her to eat or drink if she's not willing. Offer comfort and reassurance as stress can exacerbate the situation.
Remember, time is of the essence with snake bites, so while these measures can help manage the situation temporarily, professional veterinary treatment is crucial for the best outcome. Keep the phone numbers of emergency veterinary services handy for future reference.
If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.
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