Keeley, a dachshund puppy, was in her own backyard in April when she encountered a rattlesnake and was bitten in the face.
There are three types of rattlesnakes in Florida, which are among the six types of native venomous snakes in the state.
For Keeley, there was a happy ending, although it was a frightening experience.
As temps continue to climb and we see more snakes in our neighborhoods, here’s what you should know to keep your pet safe, and, if the worst happens, what to do if a snakebite happens.
Puppy survives rattlesnake bite in Brevard County
Keeley is a 16-week-old dachshund who was bitten by a rattlesnake in Brevard County April 2026.
Keeley was a 16-week dachshund puppy who encountered either a young rattler or a pygmy rattlesnake in the backyard of her Brevard County home April 21, according to Becky Deighan, surgery nurse at Animal Specialty and Emergency Center of Brevard.
Bitten below the eye, “Keeley got sick pretty fast and her face swelled up, and she was comatose by the time she arrived at the Emergency Center.”
Four vials of antivenom later, and some pain medication, along with close monitoring, and Keeley was able to safely return home the next day, Deighan said via email.
Snakebites not uncommon for Florida pets
“Right now, in spring and summer, we are seeing a couple (of snakebites) per week,” Deighan said via email May 11.
What should you do if your pet is bitten by rattlesnake, venomous snake?
“Take a picture of the snake if you can,” Deighan said. “Don’t bring it in.”
Can’t get a picture? Don’t worry. Your pet will likely receive pit viper antivenom. “We can figure out if it was a snake based on lab testing.
“Even if you’re unsure if your pet was bitten, go to the ER as soon as possible.”
Remove your dog’s collar and don’t give it any over-the-counter medication.
“Rattlesnake bites in dogs are extremely serious and can be fatal. With that said, most dogs can survive a rattlesnake bite when they receive prompt emergency treatment — especially antivenom,” according to VEG ER for Pets.
Steps you can take immediately after your dog is bitten:
Move your dog away from the snake.
Place your dog in a comfortable position. Keeping the bite wound lower than the heart is a plus, but may be difficult if it is a body wound.
Get to an emergency vet right away.
What not to do if your pet is bitten:
Do not attempt to suck out venom
Do not apply ice, heat, or tourniquets
Do not give pain meds unless directed by a vet
Don’t wait to “see if symptoms appear”
What if I didn’t see the snake that bit my dog?
“It’s very common for dogs to be bitten and then run away from the snake, and you may never see the snake that bit your dog,” according to the American Kennel Club.
“You don’t need to identify the snake that delivered the bite in order to treat the dog, just get your dog veterinary help.
“If the dog shows signs of envenomation, it doesn’t matter whether a rattlesnake, water moccasin, or copperhead was the culprit. All North American pit viper bites are treated the same way, with the same antivenom.
“Coral snake bites, however, have different signs and potentially different treatment.”
Florida home to 3 types of rattlesnakes, 3 other venomous snakes
Florida has six native venomous snakes, and three of them are rattlesnakes:
➤ Florida has 3 kinds of rattlesnakes
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
Can you avoid snakes in your Florida yard?
Here are a few tips from UF on reducing your risk of having a negative interaction with a snake in your yard:
Keep your yard clear of wood and debris piles, abandoned vehicles, overturned wheelbarrows, tools, etc.
Seal entry and exit holes/structural damage.
Reduce sources of food, shelter, and water for rodents.
Avoid crawlspaces, beneath porches, other dark, sheltered, cluttered areas.
Exercise caution when gardening, doing yard work, or other maintenance and outdoor tasks around your home or property.
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida dog survives rattlesnake bite. It’s not uncommon