Snake Bites in Georgia: What Dog and Cat Owners Need to Know

Venomous snakes can be found throughout Georgia, and snake bites may pose a serious threat not only to people but also to pets.

Several species of vipers live in the country. The largest and most dangerous, the Levant viper (Macrovipera lebetina), is found in southeastern Georgia. In western regions, the rare Caucasian viper occurs, while the steppe viper inhabits grasslands. Mountain areas are home to the Transcaucasian nose-horned viper, Dinnik’s viper, and Lotiev’s viper. Their venom can cause rapid swelling, damage to the cardiovascular system, and injury to internal organs. In dogs and cats, symptoms often develop quickly and can become life-threatening within hours.

What We Learned from Veterinary Clinics

We contacted 15 veterinary clinics across different regions of Georgia. None of them confirmed having snake antivenom available for dogs or cats.

Treatment is typically based on supportive care, including:

• Intravenous fluids
• Dexamethasone and adrenaline when indicated
• Pain management
• Antibiotics
• Inpatient monitoring and observation

Protocols vary between clinics, but the overall approach is the same: treating symptoms and supporting the animal while the body responds to the venom.

Veterinarians consistently noted that the sooner an animal reaches a clinic, the better its chances of survival. Delays of one or two days can significantly worsen the prognosis.

This is not the fault of individual clinics. Currently, there is no established system for supplying veterinary antivenom for small animals in Georgia.

What Pet Owners Should Do

If you suspect a snake bite:

• Take your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately.

• Stay in close contact with the veterinary team, even if the symptoms initially appear mild.

• After emergency stabilization, consider transferring your pet to a larger clinic in Tbilisi or Batumi if inpatient care is required.

• Do not use home remedies or traditional treatments. They are ineffective and may make the situation worse.

  Not Every “Snake” in Georgia Is Actually a Snake

• Many animals that people mistake for snakes are actually European legless lizards (Pseudopus apodus), large legless lizards commonly known as sheltopusiks. They are non-venomous and pose no danger to people, dogs, or cats.

• Sheltopusiks can be found throughout Georgia, including near towns and villages. If your dog encounters one during a walk, there is no need to panic. However, you should still prevent your pet from chasing or harassing it, as a sheltopusik may bite in self-defence.

  

  Final Thoughts

• At the time of writing, we were unable to confirm the availability of antivenom for dogs and cats in veterinary clinics in Georgia.

• For pets bitten by a venomous snake, time is the most important factor. Rapid access to veterinary care and close monitoring offer the best chance of recovery.

• During the warmer months, especially when hiking or spending time outdoors, it is important for pet owners to be aware of this risk and be prepared to act quickly if an emergency occurs.