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When we worry about the dangers posed by snakes in North America, we tend to have visions of intimidating rattlesnakes threatening cowboys and backpackers in remote areas, who then rely on tourniquets other dubious first aid to save them from the venom.
As fun as these stories of venomous snakes are, actual snake encounters tend to be much more straightforward. ALSO: Never tourniquet or try to suck out a snakebite from your dog.
One of the most common precipitators of snake encounters and snakebites are dogs, whose sharp noses and boundless curiosity can easily lead them into situations that their humans would rather they avoid.
Luckily, snakes are much more afraid of us than we are of them. So even if your dog does find a snake, that snake is likely to slither away rather than escalate the situation.
If you are walking your dog in snake country, though, there are a few simple steps you can take to help things go smoothly, and to make sure that, even if you and your dog do end up in a sticky situation, you both make it out whole and unharmed.
Research Snakes In Your Area
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Knowing what kind of snakes your might encounter and where you are likely to find them in the area you are walking in is crucial to both preventing and reacting to snakebites.
The kinds of environments to watch out for in avoiding coral snakes, for instance, are different than those that are likely to house water moccasins or rattlesnakes, and eastern and western rattlesnakes have different behaviors and habitats to watch out for.
Coming armed with knowledge specific to the environment you are in will be your best weapon in avoiding snake encounters and in preventing those encounters from turning into bites.
If it does happen, knowing what kind of snake bit your dog, while not critical, will also help your vet treat your dog as quickly and effectively as possible.
Be Prepared
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In addition to knowing what kind of snakes you might encounter, having an action plan and the proper tools and preventive measures in place will be a big help in preventing serious bites and managing them if they do occur.
For yourself, wear stiff boots that cover your ankles – the most likely place for snakes to bite – and have a basic first-aid kit and a way to contact other people if things go south.
Make sure you have a way to get to help from wherever you are, and that friends or family know where you are going and when you should be back.
For your dog, make sure you know where the nearest emergency vet clinic is; consider having them or your regular vet in your contacts so you can quickly call about any bites that occur.
If you are in the American southwest, consider getting your dog vaccinated against western diamondback rattlesnake bites, which will reduce the severity of those bites if they do occur, and may also be somewhat beneficial for other venomous bites, especially from similar snakes, like the eastern diamondback.
Stay As Far Away As You Can
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If you are fortunate enough to see the snake before your dog gets too close, the most important thing you can do is to maintain that distance. Snakes can strike at a distance of up to half their body length, faster than the blink of an eye, so keep more distance than your think you need to.
Keep your dog tightly leashed from the moment you see the snake, and do not give them more leeway to roam until you are well past it or have backed away several feet and turned around.
If your dog sees the snake before you do, or you surprise one and end up closer than you want to be, moving slowly is your best bet as your get away from the animal.
Carry Your Dog Away From The Snake
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Getting your dog away from the snake should be your number one priority if you notice they have gotten too close, and if possible, try to carry your dog out of the situation, rather than having them walk.
This will help your dog stay calm, because they are close to their favorite human and removed from the agitating factor, the snake. Carrying your dog will also keep them under control and unable to run back to the snake and antagonize it further.
Be careful, though, not to make any sudden movements near the snake, which might upset it or activate its defective instincts.
If you are within striking distance of the snake — usually about half of their body length — back away slowly before picking up your dog, as bending down will just expose your unprotected hands and arms to a bite.
If a snake does bite your dog, carry them as far as you can back to your car or other mode of transportation.
Helping your dog stay calm and exert themselves as little as possible, even by walking, will keep their heart rate low, which will in turn slow the spread of the venom throughout their body and minimize the damage it can cause to their systems.
Be Vigilant In Higher-Risk Environments
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Some environments are more likely to harbor snakes than others, and knowing what those are and where to watch for snakes are crucial for avoiding an unwanted or unexpected encounter.
Tall grass and dense bushes are both prime spots for snakes to be hanging out out of sight, while you are more likely to spot them ahead of time basking on elevated, sun-drenched rocks.
Fallen trees, overgrown riverbanks or lakeshores, and crevices in rocks are also all likely places to be surprised by a snake. Risk is also higher at night, when your visibility is lower, especially since some venomous snakes are nocturnal.
Snake activity is also higher about a week after heavy rains, so added caution during those times will help keep your dog safe from unexpected encounters.
The idea of a snakebite or snake encounter, especially with your dog in tow, is nerve wracking, but it should not put you off from exploring the great outdoors with your dog.
With a few simple safety steps, you and your dog should be ready to go out and experiencing all the big ,wide world has to offer, snakes and all.
Have you ever encountered a snake while walking your dog? What steps did you take to keep your pup safe? Let us know in the comments below!
