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Community Corner

How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are a very serious threat that accompanies the rising summer temperatures.

As we’ve previously discussed, summertime can pose many threats to your pet’s health. During this time of year, people and their furry companions generally spend more time outdoors, which hosts a wide variety of safety hazards such as heat exhaustion, blistered paws, foxtails and dehydration. 

However, there is another very serious threat that accompanies the rising summer temperatures – rattlesnakes. These venomous reptiles are prevalent in the Southern California region. Spring and summer are the active seasons for rattlesnakes – they typically bask in the sun during the day to obtain the energy they need to hunt at night.

Rattlesnakes frequent hiking trails, heavily wooded areas and shrubbery. As such, there is a high risk of encountering a rattlesnake while you and your pet are out enjoying the beautiful summer weather. 

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It’s important to point out that most rattlesnakes are not aggressive reptiles, but if they are disturbed or threatened they will bite to defend themselves from people or pets. When pets encounter rattlesnakes, they oftentimes perceive the snake’s rattling tail as an invitation to play. As a result, they typically receive bites to the face and neck when they move closer to the snake to investigate or initiate play.

While rattlesnakes are dangerous to humans, they are even more deadly to pets – especially if they are bitten on the head or neck area. 

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Here are a few proactive measures you can use to prevent an unpleasant rattlesnake encounter this summer:

When hiking with your pet, keep them on a leash and stay to the center of the trail. Rattlesnakes enjoy warming up on roadways or pavement and can typically be found on the sides of a path under rocks or brush. 

If you do see a rattlesnake on the trail, never approach the snake! This is for your safety, as well as your pet’s. Snakes have a longer striking distance than most people realize. Instead, retreat backwards on the path and alert other hikers in the area of the rattlesnake’s location. Also, it’s always a good idea to take your cell phone with you on outings like this in the event of an emergency. 

Be diligent about keeping your yard tidy. Clear out undergrowth, toys, debris and yard tools that may be strewn about. Make sure flowers, shrubbery and plants are not covering your walkways. It’s important that you have a clear vision of everything in your path.

Pick up fallen fruit and bird food from your yard, as these will most certainly attract rodents who in turn attract rattlesnakes. Additionally, it’s always a good practice to scan your yard before letting your pets out to play.

If you see a rattlesnake in your yard, keep your pets inside and call the fire department. If the snake is inside your garage or home, call your local animal-control department immediately.

If your pet is bitten by a rattlesnake, stay calm. Immediate medical treatment is your pet’s best chance for recovery, so don’t waste precious time by trying to solve the problem yourself. Transport your pet to a local animal hospital immediately. 

The antivenin needed to neutralize the venom from a rattlesnake bite costs several hundred dollars per vial. For larger pets, they will need more than one vial, which means that rattlesnake bites will more than likely result in a very expensive vet bill or even worse – the loss of a beloved furry family member. 

To avoid this unpleasant experience, pay close attention to the outdoor environments your pet is exposed to. Take the necessary precautions to ensure that your animal companion remains safe and healthy this summer.

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