Snake or venomous insect bite
CRITICAL
Snake or venomous insect bite
Allergic
Vietnam has pit vipers, cobras and hornets. Venom reactions and anaphylaxis can develop within 30 minutes.
Symptoms to watch for
- ▸ Rapid swelling around the bite (especially the face, legs)
- ▸ Two fang marks (snake) or a sting left in the skin
- ▸ Severe pain on touch
- ▸ Drooling, vomiting, loss of balance
- ▸ Laboured breathing, pale gums
- ▸ Loss of consciousness if anaphylaxis sets in
DO THIS NOW (in order)
- 1 KEEP YOUR PET COMPLETELY STILL — movement spreads the venom faster
- 2 Carry your pet (DO NOT let them walk)
- 3 For a bee sting — lift the sting out with tweezers (DO NOT squeeze the venom sac)
- 4 Photograph the snake if you see it (safely) — it helps the vet pick the right antivenom
- 5 Call the clinic and get there within 30 minutes
NEVER DO THIS
- ✕ DO NOT suck the venom out by mouth (a myth — useless and dangerous to you)
- ✕ DO NOT apply a tourniquet (it causes tissue death)
- ✕ DO NOT cut the wound open
- ✕ DO NOT apply ice or iced water (it constricts vessels and worsens tissue damage)
- ✕ DO NOT give your pet human medicine (including antihistamines)
Getting there safely
Put your pet in a carrier with the bite held LOWER than the heart. Carry gently, no shaking. Straight to the vet by car.
While you wait for the vet
- ▸ Mark the edge of the swelling with a pen — track how fast it spreads
- ▸ Count the breathing rate every 5 minutes
- ▸ Watch the gums
- ▸ Keep your pet moderately warm (neither cold nor hot)
RED FLAG — get emergency care right away if you see:
- Swelling spreading fast beyond the bite site
- Difficulty breathing / wheezing
- Loss of consciousness
- Chalk-white gums
- The face swelling so fast it closes the eyes (anaphylaxis)
This guide does NOT replace a vet's diagnosis. Always contact the clinic, even if your pet seems fine.