Pets bitten by poisonous snakes keeping Tulsa veterinarians busy

Snakebites are keeping veterinarians across Tulsa busier than usual this summer.

Dr. Shad Wilkerson with Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists says dogs are often the victims. Wilkerson says, "Usually dogs, they like to sniff everything. About 85 percent of snakebites to dogs end up being on the face."

Wilkerson tells KRMG that most poisonous snake bites are survivable if you take action. Wilkerson says, "They can mostly all survive. Treatments can vary a little bit depending on the severity of the bite."

Wilkerson says swelling and discomfort are obvious signs that a pet has suffered a venomous snake bite.

He recommends that pet owners don't try to apply a tourniquet or give medications like steroids or Benadryl to their pets. Instead, he recommends that you take action and bring your pet to a vet as soon as possible.