The Most Dreaded “S-Word” in Dog Ownership: Snakebite!

Welcome to summer in Texas, where the sun is relentless, the mosquitoes are out in force, and you’re probably hearing stories of neighbors seeing snakes a little too close to home. As a responsible dog owner, we are always on high alert for such things as speeding cars on walks and aggressive dogs at the dog park, but there is another hazard that many of us are even more afraid of this time of the year: venomous snakes.

The San Antonio Area Is Home to Four Types of Dangerous Snakes

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the state of Texas is home to 15 potentially dangerous species (and subspecies) of snakes. In our area alone, there are four of these venomous snakes commonly found. In San Antonio and the Hill Country, copperheads, water moccasins (cottonmouths), rattlesnakes and coral Snakes all live among us and pose a significant risk to our pets. 

The good news is that with a little extra care, watchful eyes, as well as the rattlesnake vaccine and a plan in place in the event of a snakebite, many pets who encounter a venomous snake have a good chance for survival. 

Here are a few things to do to make sure that your best furry friend is safe from snakebites:

Check Into the Rattlesnake Vaccine

Ask your vet if the rattlesnake vaccine is right for your dog. The manufacturer of the vaccine says that the vaccine creates protective antibodies against the rattlesnake venom, which neutralizes the venom itself. They claim that dogs are reported to experience less pain and have a reduced risk of permanent injury from bites when properly vaccinated.

While the jury is still out on the effectiveness of the rattlesnake vaccine, vets contend that what the vaccine does is merely buy the pet owner a little extra time in getting to the pet hospital after a dog has been bitten. In some cases, the severity of the illness seems a bit lessened in dogs who have had the vaccine but vets are quick to warn that the vaccine is no replacement for prompt veterinary care in the event of a snake bite. The rattlesnake vaccine also gives protection against copperhead bites, but not water moccasin or coral snake bites. 

Use Caution Around Your Home 

Other than vaccinating your dog against snakebites, your best defense is to use caution around your home. Keeping your dog on a leash, thus keeping him close to you, is important in avoiding snake bites. Rattlesnakes are deaf, so they rely on vibrations from the ground to alert them to an approaching threat. When out on a hike, it’s wise to carry a stick with you to thump the ground to give the snakes a heads up. Also, contrary to popular opinion, rattlesnakes often strike first before rattling, so you might not get that famous warning that we all associate with this snake. 

If Fido Is Bitten Take Immediate Action

If you’ve determined that your pet has been bitten by a snake, please shush your inner hero and refrain from attempting to suck the venom from your pet’s wound. Also, attempting a tourniquet is best left to an expert. The most important things that you can do to help your pet is to keep him calm (the more blood that circulates through his excited body, the more venom also gets distributed) and seek immediate veterinary attention. This might mean a veterinary emergency clinic if your vet is unable to see your dog immediately. The good news is that pets can survive a rattlesnake bite and with a little forethought and caution, you can avoid a frightening (not to mention costly) snakebite emergency. 

Pin this post on Pinterest:

Read more dog care and wellness posts:

Natural Ways To Help Your Dog Enjoy A Stress-Free Summer

Summer Dog Safety

Take a Hike! Tips for Hiking with Your Dog