{"id":10768,"date":"2022-03-19T11:01:04","date_gmt":"2022-03-19T11:01:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/?p=10768"},"modified":"2022-03-20T11:20:10","modified_gmt":"2022-03-20T11:20:10","slug":"what-happens-when-a-dog-eats-a-bull-snake-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/what-happens-when-a-dog-eats-a-bull-snake-skin\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens When A Dog Eats A Bull Snake Skin?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You notice your dog beginning to chew on something, so you head over for a closer look. It\u2019s a snake skin! You know there are bull snakes living in your area<\/a> and suspect the skin was shed by one of them. So now you\u2019re wondering: what happens when a dog eats a bull snake skin? Keep reading! In this article, we\u2019ll answer this question and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens if a Dog Eats a Bull Snake Skin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some dogs will chew on anything. What should you do if you see your beloved pet chomping away at a snake skin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that, in most cases, eating a bull snake skin should not cause any problems for your pup. Snake skins are generally harmless, and because bull snakes are nonvenomous, their shed skins should pose no threat to your dog.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If anything, the dog may choke on the skin, as bull snakes can grow up to 8 feet long and may shed long segments of their skin. Most of the time though, any dog eating a snake skin will be able to tear and chew it into smaller pieces before swallowing, which should eliminate the choking risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your dog does manage to swallow a large segment of snake skin without chewing it up first, it may cause digestive issues. Pay close attention to the dog\u2019s bowel movements over the next few days\u2013if you notice any changes, the snake skin may be causing a bowel obstruction, and in this case, get the dog to the vet immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both choking and bowel obstruction are extremely rare complications, however. As noted, your dog will likely be unharmed from eating a snake skin. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep a close eye on the dog for 24 hours or so, and if it begins displaying any unusual behavior or symptoms, take it to the vet.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s worth noting that you may have a hard time telling if it\u2019s a bull snake skin or the skin of some other snake. Bull snakes and rattlesnakes often live in the same areas, and a rattlesnake skin could contain bits of the venom near the head, which could cause problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re concerned your dog may have eaten a rattlesnake skin instead of a bull snake skin, call your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out this video of a puppy eating a piece of snake skin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=QB42sTWXF3Y<\/a>