Warm days are upon us and as such we will be spending more time out of doors to soak up the rays and enjoy all the outdoor activities that summer provides. If you are planning to take your dog with you as you walk, hike, or bike, it is important to be prepared for rattlesnake season.
Whenever you are out in the wilderness it is impossible to protect dogs from rattlesnakes 100%. Dogs love to roam and explore and if they happen to encounter a rattlesnake their curiosity may get the better of them. A pound of prevention equals a ton of cure in most instances, and this is indeed the case when you consider a dog and rattlesnake interaction.Prevention is the best way to protect your dogs from rattlesnake bites. Keep in mind that snakes will hide away during the heat of the summer day and will reappear at dusk when the temperature has cooled down. This is also the time of the day when their prey is the most active. If you don’t permit your dogs to go roaming around shady areas in the heat of the day you will go a long way in preventing them from running into a deadly rattlesnake,
It is a good idea to keep dogs on a leash and be aware of your surroundings – avoiding shady bushes and watching where you walk. Also make sure to listen as rattling is the sign that the snake is irritated, or you’re too close.
Valley companies offer snake training in an effort to “teach” dogs the danger of snakes without their being harmed. Typically, these companies will use live contained snakes so the dog has the scent, and then use a shock collar to notify the dog when it has gone too close.
While there are a number of preventative measures that you can take, being prepared for the worst case scenario can help you stay calm and not waste any time if an emergency does arise. Consider packing a lightweight blanket or towel in case your dog needs to be carried back to your automobile.
Keep in mind that it is imperative that you rush the dog to a pet hospital or veterinarian as soon as possible. Every second counts and if you happen to have the phone number and address of your destination at hand so much the better.
With some awareness and preparedness, you and your furry companions will be safe while enjoying our fabulous Arizona spring.