Walks and hikes can be perfect for exercise and bonding with your pup. But during rattlesnake season in Southern California, a simple outdoor stroll can become an emergency situation in an instant. Read on to learn about how to keep your puppy safe from snakes and extremely dangerous rattlesnake bites.
Staying Away From Snakes
Since snakes can be found over, under, and even around brush, grass, rocks, burrows, or any other object you might find in your surrounding area, nearly all scenic hiking areas (and sometimes even your yard) are potential danger zones. Rattlesnake avoidance training for dogs is all about keeping your puppy away from the danger, in spite of how curious they might be when they hear that rattling sound. Part of basic obedience training should be quick response to commands such as “heel” and “leave it.” If you know that you’ll routinely hike in their habitat during rattlesnake season (peak in spring and early summer, and lasting through fall), you can train with an imitation rattle to get your dog accustomed to the sound. Teach them to immediately return to your side or back away from the noise. Positively reinforce the desired behavior, and work with a professional trainer to improve results.
Protect yourself and your pet during outdoor excursions with snake-smart hiking tips such as keeping to marked paths; checking stumps, logs, and rocks before climbing or sitting; and giving snakes the chance to cross a path and get out of the way. Generally, all snakes will avoid people, and we’re pretty noisy hikers who give wildlife plenty of warning! Keep your eyes open and give rattlesnakes the opportunity to move along. They’ll prefer it!
We at Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital are wellness-focused, which means that we encourage owners to keep their pets up-to-date on vaccines. We’re happy to discuss the rattlesnake vaccine for dogs with you, but be aware that vaccines help your pet’s body mount an immune system response without making your pet one hundred percent immune. The rattlesnake vaccine is not the same as antivenin or other medical treatment, and it is no substitute for avoiding bites in the first place.
Snake Bite Signs
If you see a snake bite your puppy, you should try to observe the snake (from a safe distance) to see features like color, size, and pattern. An encounter between a western diamondback rattlesnake—or any type of rattler—and your dog is a big deal, and your veterinary team will have a better idea of how to form a treatment plan if we know exactly what type of snake bite we’re dealing with. Get to the nearest veterinary hospital as quickly and calmly as you can.
Unfortunately, snakes are fast, and you might not even see a bite as it happens. If you suspect a bite, look for an injury first, like puncture wounds or blood. The American Red Cross also notes the following signs of rattlesnake bites in puppies:
- Bruising and raw skin at the site
- Active bleeding
- Swelling and redness at the site
- Weakness, collapse, or paralysis
- Twitching or seizures
- Drooling or vomiting
Of course, a major puppy snake bite symptom is pain. Your pup might limp or hold up a paw if the bite was on a foot or leg. They might whine and be agitated. They might also cower or hide the affected area, lash out, growl, or snap at you if you try to touch the bite.
An Emergency Situation
A rattlesnake bite is a definite pet emergency. As noted above, after you’ve made note of the snake’s appearance and are away from its reach, get your dog to an animal emergency facility right away. Call ahead if you can drive safely while doing so. There is a good chance for recovery if you get to a veterinarian who has access to antivenin and can provide supportive care.
Obviously, rattlesnakes and dogs don’t mix! Southern California is home to all sorts of snakes—large or small, venomous and non-venomous—and even a non-toxic bite is problematic. Keep your wits about you and keep emergency veterinary hospital info close at hand to keep your puppy as safe as possible.