Rattlesnake Ssssssssseason
- Dorothy Cline
- May 4
- 4 min read
Rattlesnake Ssssssssseason is slithering its way, and you and your furry BFF need to know all the deets to make your outdoor adventures safe and injury-free.
Snakes naturally love to sunbathe and seek out sunny spots, usually on the edge of hiking trails, parks, and walking paths. From April through October, these cold-blooded animals are most active in areas popular with hikers and campers. In the heat of Summer, rattlers look for places out of the afternoon sun. They frequently hang out in woodpiles and heavy shrubs. They’re also found under logs and good-sized rocks.
Snakes can also be found near homes (depending on where you live).
To keep rattlesnakes away from your home, clear away debris and thick vegetation that can attract rodents, which are their primary food source. Pay attention to where you place your hands and feet while gardening, supervise your pets and children, monitor any sandboxes or shady play areas, and avoid walking at night in sandals if snakes are prevalent in the area.
To find out what snakes live in your area, there are a few beneficial links and APPS such as Cro-Fab, Snake Identifier (available in the Apple Store), and Snake Snap.
Always stay alert to your surroundings while hiking or walking and prevent your dog from foraging in the bushes. Snakes are shy by nature and generally strike only when they are startled, frightened, or feel threatened. They are not 'out to get you' or your pup. Therefore, attaching a bell to your dog’s collar while hiking is a good idea to alert any snakes and critters of their presence.
If your precious pet is punctured (ie, a snake bite occurs), keep your dog calm and quiet as movement and adrenaline can potentially spread venom faster. REMOVE THEIR COLLAR!
It is essential to take off a dog's collar following a rattlesnake bite to avoid constriction, as the venom causes swelling in the dog's head and neck. The swelling from the venom can be severe, potentially causing breathing problems or even suffocation if the collar remains on.
If the wound is visible, you can safely rinse it with water to help wash away some of the venom. Take your dog to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. YOU NEED TO CALL THE VET ON YOUR WAY to the clinic because not all veterinary practices stock snake antivenom!
Your FURbaby will need urgent fluids, antivenin, and monitoring. Rattlesnake bites can lead to bleeding, swelling, extremely low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and shock. Such bites can be fatal for dogs, especially in smaller breeds, and the location of the bite. The face and neck are usually the prime locations for the bite and are especially dangerous. Avoid touching or handling any snake, whether it is alive or dead. Even after death, rattlesnakes can still deliver venom for a short time.
IMPORTANT MYTH ON THE RATTLESNAKE VACCINE FOR DOGS
The rattlesnake vaccine for dogs is only a preventative measure against rattlesnake venom, designed to reduce the severity of a bite and buy time for veterinary care. It works by stimulating the dog's immune system to produce antibodies against the venom of the snake. It can lessen pain, swelling, and tissue damage, and the rattlesnake vaccine WILL considerably increase your dog’s chances of survival by adding more time to get your furry BFF to a Veterinarian; HOWEVER, it DOES NOT make your dog immune to a rattlesnake bite’s effects.
OTHER MYTHS DEBUNKED.
The notion that baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous is a common myth.
THE FACTS:
Venom Volume: Baby rattlesnakes possess smaller venom glands compared to adults, resulting in a lower quantity of venom available for injection during a bite.
Venom Control: Both juvenile and adult rattlesnakes can regulate the amount of venom they deliver, and research indicates that age does not determine the likelihood of a "dry" bite (a bite without venom).
(Source: https://wildlife.ca.gov.)
The notion that a snake can only strike when coiled is another common myth.
THE FACTS:
Although they frequently coil into a defensive stance before striking, this serves as a warning and is not necessary for them to strike.
They are capable of striking from different positions, such as when their body is straight or even while in motion.
They might also rattle their tails as a warning before striking, though this doesn't happen every time.
Most naturally curious canines have no clue that rattlesnakes are a potential threat and will willingly approach them, even if they have never been bitten. Rattlesnake aversion training teaches your dog safely and effectively the dangers of rattlesnakes. Ask your local Veterinarian for classes in your area.
Into the woods you MUST go!
Now get out there, explore the trails with your bestie, enjoy the natural surroundings together, and know that you and your dog are ready for any adventure.
PAW IT FORWARD!
We're doggone devoted to animal welfare, rescue grooming, and helping to provide veterinary care to animals in need by donating 20% of our fees to these causes.
Charlie was adopted after his lifesaving grooming makeover.
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