How to Give a Pet Snake a Shot

When it is necessary to give a pet snake a shot, you may not have the option of going to the veterinarian. You may instead have to give the snake a shot yourself. Follow these steps to learn how to give your pet snake a shot.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare the medication by loading the syringe with medicine from the vial. Turn the vial upside down, and insert the needle into it.

2. Pull back on the syringe to load the medicine. Tap the syringe to make sure there are no air bubbles.

3. Have another person help with your snake if possible. Hold the snake right behind the jaw bones. Hold firmly, but don't squeeze too hard or the snake may try to wriggle free.

4. Feel along the backbone in the front half of the snake. Keep your thumb on the backbone and another finger on the ribs. Between this area is the muscle where you will insert the shot.

5. Keep your fingers away from the end of the syringe while finding the right area. Otherwise, you might accidentally inject the snake in the wrong area.

6. Insert the needle quickly between the scales. Pull pack on the needle and make sure no blood comes out. If you see blood in the syringe, pull the needle out and insert again in a different area. If there is no blood, inject the medicine and quickly pull the needle back out.

Tips & Warnings

• When inserting the needle, hold it at an angle with the needle pointing towards the snake's head.