Venom is a harmful liquid that some snakes and other animals make in their bodies. Your child was bitten by a nonvenomous snake, which means the snake did not put harmful venom into your child's skin. Nonvenomous snakebites usually don't cause any serious or lasting problems, but they can get infected. 

The bite was rinsed thoroughly to help clean out bacteria (germs), and if any of the snake's teeth were left behind in the bite, the health care provider removed them. If needed, your child got a tetanus shot.

• Wash the wound daily with soap and water.
• Apply antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a nonstick bandage as instructed.
• For pain, you can give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand). Check with your health care provider before giving your child ibuprofen or aspirin, since they can increase the risk of bleeding.

• The bite getting red, swollen, warm to the touch, or more painful
• Pus draining from the bite
• A fever

• Your child has bleeding around the bite area that doesn't stop after applying pressure for 5 minutes.
• The area around the bite becomes numb, pale, or dark.

What can help prevent snakebites? To make snakebites less likely when kids are outdoors, they should: 

• Stay away from any snakes they see. Snakes bite to protect themselves.
• Stay out of tall grass and avoid areas where snakes like to hide, such as under rocks or porches. It's best to stay on a path when walking in nature.
• Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots to protect their legs and feet.

What is venom? Venom is the harmful substance that some animals inject into another animal (or person) by biting or stinging them. They do this to protect themselves or to catch prey. 

What problems can a nonvenomous snakebite cause? Nonvenomous snakes don't inject venom when they bite, so their bites aren't dangerous. Skin infections are the most common problem that can happen. Signs of infection include warmth around the wound, swelling, pain, redness, and pus. Sometimes snake teeth can remain in the wound, which can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. A person can have an allergic reaction to a snakebite, but that happens rarely.