Column: Lake Tails

After a long cold winter, we are experiencing a summer when the weather has only been hot and hotter. And to make the forecast worse, we are only a small way into what is historically the hottest month of the year.

Astrologers long ago believed that the dog star, Sirius, which rises and sets with the sun from July to September, added to the heat produced by the sun. Hence, the "dog days of summer," which is known as the hottest and muggiest time of the year. It also is known to be a period of stagnation and inactivity for most of us and our pets. (How many of you have pets that can not wait to get inside to the air conditioning?)

Along with the heat, summer is the time of year when most venomous creatures are active and a peril to our pets. There are three venomous creatures indigenous to our locale that we must watch out for: snakes, bees and spiders.

If we allow our pets outside, both dogs and cats are susceptible to poisonous bites because of their instinctive curiosity and natural protective territorial traits.

There are two types of venomous snakes in the United States, but only the pit vipers are found this far north in Virginia. Rattlesnakes and copperheads are the only two pit-viper species found at the lake with regularity. They (scientific name Crotalids) are named for their facial pits, located between their nostrils and eyes. The pits are heat-sensing organs that help them locate their prey, mostly birds and small mammals. They also can be identified by their triangular head, retractable fangs and elliptical eyes. Rattlesnakes also have the characteristic "rattle" at the end of their tails; it sends shivers down most people's spines.

The majority of snake bites occur on the head and face of dogs who are barking at them. Cats often will get bitten on the front legs when fighting with them.

Venomous snake bites are a medical emergency and need to be seen by a veterinarian. These venomous bites are very painful and can cause a tremendous amount of swelling with a lot of tissue destruction. Your vet can assess whether anti-venom is necessary and will provide supportive care as needed. When you first realize your pet has been bitten by a snake, keep the animal quiet and remove any restrictive harnesses or collars if transporting to the hospital. Applying a tourniquet or attempting to remove the venom is not recommended.

Spiders have long been used in stories and pictures to instill fear. The black widow and brown recluse are the two major players causing the most bites around the lake area. Most likely, they can be found at most residences, where they prefer dark, dry places such as garages, outbuildings and around foundations. Cats, because of their predatory nature, are more prone to have an altercation with a spider leading to a potential bite.

The brown recluse, also known as the violin spider because of the violin-shaped marking on its back, has a venom a hundred times more potent than a rattlesnake, but fortunately, only a small amount is injected. Its bite is not always painful and may not be immediately noticed. It may only itch for the first few hours before the venom starts to work. Initially, a blister can form, but within 72 hours, an open sore develops and enlarges as the surrounding tissue becomes necrotic. It can take weeks to months, and sometimes, multiple surgeries, to get some of the wounds to heal.

Symptoms of a black widow spider bite evolve in the opposite way. A black widow is identified by its characteristic black color and a familiar red hourglass marking on the bottom of its round abdomen. Its venom is a neurotoxin that immobilizes its prey. The bite usually does not cause a lot of tissue destruction, but can be extremely painful immediately and for many hours after.

If you recognize that your pet has been bitten by a venomous spider, take a few steps at home to minimize its discomfort. Apply a cool compress to the bite, elevate the area if possible and then wash in cool water. Restrict their activity and monitor for any tissue swelling or tissue damage over the next few days.

Do not apply heat or a tourniquet to the area as both could hasten tissue damage. Be aware that both a brown recluse and a black widow spider bite can occasionally cause an anaphylactic reaction that requires veterinarian attention. If your pet starts vomiting (especially cats that sometimes vomit up the spider), has muscle tremors or appears unusually pained when petted, you should seek veterinary care.

Far and away the most common venomous injection is the least dangerous -- a bee sting. Most stings are the result of dogs being too curious and sticking their big noses into an area occupied by a bee, wasp or hornet. (Cats are usually too smart to mess with bees and prefer to just watch them).

Most bee stings are immediately painful and many dogs will develop facial swelling of the muzzle and around the eyes. First aid at home starts with attempting to quickly find and remove the stinger. If successful, follow with cool compresses, administer antihistamines and give a cool bath to help alleviate the pain.

Hypersensitivity reactions are rare (3 percent of the pet population) and usually will occur within the first 60 minutes after a sting. Any questions regarding a sting, especially if your pet seems to be responding to more than just the pain of the localized swelling, should be brought to your veterinarian's attention.

Avoidance is the best prevention for venomous snake and spider bites and bee stings. Be careful when your pet goes into dark areas under porches and around outbuildings. Reduce clutter in your garage, basement and outbuildings. Be careful around firewood stacks (a snake's favorite hiding place) and remove piles of leaves and debris around foundations (a spider's haven).

Know what to watch out for and call your veterinarian with any specific questions about any bites or stings. Because of their naturally non-aggressive behavior, these venomous creatures rarely cause a severe bite to our beloved four-legged furry friends.

Dr. Brian Weitzman has practiced at Smith Mountain Lake Animal Hospital since 2002.