Ruff day? Owner shares hilarious snap of glum-looking Doberman after he was bitten by a rattlesnake

A dog-owner has shared hilarious photos showing a sad-looking, swollen dog after he was bitten by a rattlesnake while he played in his backyard.

ToruTorque, a Doberman from Michigan, looked puffy for the cameras after his face swelled up from the snake's venom.

Fortunately for the unlucky pooch, hit owner Kara Braniecki rushed him to the vet, where he received anti-venom treatment, but was released the following day.

She also noted that Torque had made a full recovery and was 'back playing with his brothers and sisters.'

'Thank you everyone for the love he is receiving!', she added. 

Rattlesnake bites can be life-threatening to dogs, as it causes tissue damage and can lead to breathing difficulties.

However, in this case, the Doberman appeared unharmed as he waited for the swelling to go down - giving the owner the chance to take the humorous pictures.

Veterinary specialist website vetsoftherockies.com advises dog owners to seek veterinary attention immediately if they suspect their pets have been bitten by snakes. 

While most pets survive a snake bite, it's important to act fast, it says.

The website also suggests that in the event of a snake bite, owners should rinse the wound with water to remove some of the venom.

It also recommends alerting the veterinary practice ahead of arrival so its staff can make the necessary preparations for their in-bound animal patient.

It also notes that while owners may be asked to identify the snake that bit their dog, it is important they don't interact with it, as this increases the risk of them also being bitten. Snakes are best left alone 90 percent of the time, it says. 

Dogs can also receive rattlesnake vaccines, which are designed to help with any future bites, reducing the severity of signs when a bite occurs.