Should You Be Able To See Your Snake Breathing?

If you’re a pet snake owner, you likely spend a good amount of time observing your snake’s behaviors and mannerisms. One thing you may notice is your snake’s breathing patterns. This leads to the question – should you be able to see your snake breathing?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: It is normal to see gentle movements as your snake breathes. However, excessive mouth gaping or wheezing breaths could signal a respiratory infection requiring veterinary care.

Normal Snake Breathing

A snake’s breathing is usually very subtle and can be difficult to notice. However, with some observation, you can discern the gentle rhythmic movements associated with their respiration. Knowing what to look for can give you insight into your snake’s health and wellbeing.

Gentle Rhythmic Movements

Snakes do not have a diaphragm like mammals, so instead of their chest expanding and contracting, you need to watch the area just behind the head. As they inhale, this area will slowly rise, and as they exhale, it will gradually sink down again. These movements are very gentle and fluid.

You may also notice some slight tightening and release of the muscles along the snake’s spine as they breathe. However, these indications can be extremely subtle, especially when the snake is at rest.

Breathing May Be More Noticeable When Snake is Active

During periods of activity, like when exploring their enclosure or directly after eating, snakes tend to breathe more frequently. At these times, their breathing motions often become more visible. However, they still maintain a calm, rhythmic pattern.

After basking under a heat lamp or enjoying a meal, a snake may pant briefly to cool down, similar to a dog. Their breathing becomes quicker during this period but returns to normal once their temperature is regulated.

Breathing Slows During Rest

Snakes frequently sleep and rest for extended times. When asleep or otherwise inactive, their metabolism slows dramatically and so does their rate of breathing. They may take only 4-5 slow, shallow breaths per minute while at rest.

Importantly, periods of very slow and infrequent breathing are completely normal for a resting snake. In fact, noticing a lack of visible breathing motions in a sleeping snake is not on its own a cause for alarm. Their breathing can be extremely subtle even when awake and especially so when asleep.

Signs of Abnormal Breathing in Snakes

Labored Breathing or Wheezing

One key sign of respiratory distress is audible wheezing or whistling sounds when your snake breathes, indicating obstruction of the airways. You may also notice the sides of their body visibly heaving with the effort to inhale and exhale.

Labored breathing involving wheezing is an emergency requiring swift veterinary assessment to identify and address the underlying cause.

Excessive Mouth Gaping

Frequent wide gaping of your snake’s mouth can point to breathing troubles. This reflexive behavior allows more air to enter the trachea, but is abnormal if persistent and combined with other symptoms.

Mouth gaping may occur from overheating, very low humidity, respiratory infection, or obstructed airways from fluid or masses. Don’t delay having a vet inspect excessive gaping.

Discharge from Mouth or Nose

Any discharge from the mouth or nasal passages correlated with respiratory signs merits rapid medical attention. Possible discharge includes:

• Thick mucus or bubbles around the mouth
• Watery fluid dripping from the mouth
• Crusting discharge around the nostrils

These fluids often indicate pneumonia, abscess, or other infection of the airways or lungs. Mucus production is the body’s way of trying to expel or shield from pathogens or irritants, but runny noses signal potentially grave illness in snakes needing medication.

Change in Color of Mouth Tissue

Though subtle, discoloration of the tissue lining the mouth may accompany respiratory troubles. Key things to watch for include:

While not definitive proof of respiratory issues, these mouth lesions may obstruct breathing or be symptomatic of a broader infectious process attacking the lungs. Always show changes from your snake’s normal oral condition to an exotics veterinarian.

What to Do if Your Snake is Having Breathing Issues

Look for Underlying Husbandry Issues

If your snake is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress, the first thing you’ll want to do is thoroughly check over their environment and husbandry practices. Common causes of breathing problems in captive snakes include:

• Incorrect temperatures – If the warm side of the enclosure is too cold or the cool side too warm, snakes may develop respiratory infections.
• Dirty enclosure – Accumulated waste, uneaten food, and excess humidity can harbor harmful bacteria.
• Stress – Snakes that are frequently handled, transported, or otherwise stressed can be more prone to breathing issues.

Carefully inspect your snake’s enclosure temperatures, sanitation, humidity levels, and overall habitat setup. Make any necessary adjustments to get their environment into proper shape. Give them a couple days to see if breathing improves on its own with correct husbandry. If not, it’s vet visit time!

Make a Veterinary Appointment

Respiratory infections in snakes should always be checked by an experienced reptile vet. Call your exotics vet and schedule an appointment as soon as possible if your snake is wheezing, popping, or showing labored breathing.

The longer a respiratory infection goes untreated, the more damage it can do.

Some signs that signal an emergency vet visit include:

• Severe lethargy and loss of appetite
• Discharge from the mouth or nostrils
• Constant gaping or open-mouthed breathing
• Skin color changes like bluing of the scales

Snakes exhibiting these symptoms need to be evaluated ASAP as they can indicate a life-threatening infection.

Follow Veterinary Recommendations

Only a qualified reptile vet can diagnose the exact cause and prescribe appropriate treatment for your snake’s breathing issues. Be prepared to give a thorough history including your snake’s husbandry, diet, behavior changes, and timeline of symptoms.

After an exam, the vet may recommend:

• Antibiotic injections or oral medication
• Nebulization therapy
• Lab tests like cultures to identify bacteria
• Fluid therapy if dehydrated
• Adjustments to temperature and humidity

Closely follow your vet’s recommendations for medications, supplemental care, and habitat changes. Even after symptoms improve, it’s crucial to finish any prescribed medication regimen fully to prevent resistance and recurrence.

With quick veterinary care and proper supportive husbandry at home, most snakes can make a full recovery from respiratory infections.

Tips for Supporting Your Snake’s Respiratory Health

Maintain Proper Temperatures and Humidity

Proper temperatures and humidity levels are crucial for a snake’s respiratory health. Snakes are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Improper temperatures can impair a snake’s immune system and make them more susceptible to respiratory infections.

Use a thermostat and hygrometer to carefully monitor the warm side, cool side and overall humidity of the enclosure. Maintain the temperature gradient and humidity levels recommended for the specific species of snake.

Keep the Enclosure Clean

A dirty enclosure full of waste and debris can harbor bacteria, fungi and mites which can cause respiratory infections in snakes. Spot clean waste daily and completely disinfect the enclosure once a week. Use a mild soap and water solution to scrub décor and cage furniture. Rinse thoroughly.

Allow items to completely dry before returning to the habitat to prevent growth of mold or fungus. Replace substrate regularly.

Address Stressors

Stress weakens a snake’s immune system, leaving them prone to respiratory illness. Try to identify and minimize any sources of stress for your snake. Ensure the enclosure is an appropriate size and is decorated with adequate hiding places and enrichment. Limit handling to short, positive interactions.

Keep the snake’s environment calm and quiet by not placing the enclosure near loud televisions, radios or high traffic areas. Check that temperatures, humidity and light cycles are all appropriate as these can be stressors if not maintained properly.

Ensure Proper Nutrition

Malnourishment impairs immune functioning in snakes. Offer prey items of an appropriate size and nutritional value at the proper intervals for the age and species of the snake. Provide clean, chlorine-free water at all times.

Multivitamin supplements added to water or prey items can provide added nutritional support. An unhealthy snake may require assist-feeding by a veterinarian to recover condition and strength.

Conclusion

In summary, it is normal to see some gentle movements as your pet snake breathes. However, labored breathing, wheezing, excessive gaping, discharge, or color changes could indicate a respiratory problem requiring veterinary attention.

With proper husbandry, nutrition, and wellness care, you can support your snake’s respiratory health and keep its breathing normal.