"This Is True Family": Chinese Shiba Inu Saves Owner from Viper Bite, Owner Searches for Antivenom and Cares Devotedly

Fought a Viper to Protect Its Owner

The story of a pet dog that fought a venomous snake to protect its owner, even after being infected with deadly venom, is moving Chinese netizens.

Recently, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) featured the story of the Meng family, who were saved from a venomous snake thanks to their pet dog. Mr. and Mrs. Meng live in a village in Hebei Province, China, with their two Shiba Inu dogs, Hetao and Duoduo.

A Chinese pet dog bitten by a venomous snake while trying to protect its owner. Screenshot from SCMP

The incident occurred at the end of August. Meng heard Duoduo barking and went outside with Hetao, only to find a venomous snake in the yard. As Meng called out to Duoduo, the snake quickly moved toward Meng.

Hetao, who was by Meng's side, immediately stepped forward to confront the snake. During the struggle, Hetao was bitten by the snake's fangs, but ultimately succeeded in driving it away. After the incident, Meng's husband confirmed that the snake was a viper, one of the most venomous species.

After being bitten by the viper, Hetao's wound became severely swollen and the dog showed symptoms of poisoning, such as body stiffness. The Mengs rushed Hetao to a nearby animal hospital for emergency treatment, but the hospital did not have any antivenom available. In the end, Meng's husband drove for several hours to Beijing to obtain the antivenom.

Mrs. Meng continued to care for Hetao diligently, giving the dog water every 30 minutes. She told SCMP, "Hetao's head was so swollen that he could barely breathe. But I couldn't give up. Every time Hetao cried out in pain, I cried with him," she recalled.

Thanks to Mrs. Meng's care, Hetao overcame the critical period, returned to the hospital, and eventually regained his health. After three weeks, the wounds began to heal. Mrs. Meng said, "Hetao risked his life to save me, and I did everything I could to save my dog. Now we will protect each other like family."