Rattlesnake Bites: One of the Worst Fears for Bird Dog Owners
If you have ever hunted sage-grouse or early season chukar and quail in Nevada or elsewhere throughout the western U.S., there’s a high probability that you considered the possibility of rattlesnake encounters with your hunting dog. Although rattlesnake bites are rare, and canine fatalities are even more rare, they can happen. The following provides some Do’s, Don’ts, and additional information on how to prevent rattle snake bites, how to prepare if your dog is bitten, and what to do after it is bitten.
Things to Know
Remember, rattlesnakes do not always rattle their tails in warning, a rattle may not always be present on the snake, and a rattle does not always precede a strike.
Rattlesnake bites can occur early in the upland seasons almost anywhere in Nevada, and at almost any elevation.
The “Rattlesnake Vaccine” is a vaccine that is given in advance of a rattle snake bite and is intended to reduce the severity of the bite symptoms. It has lost its conditional status with the USDA but has recently regained approved usage. Speak with your vet for further information about their recommendation.
Fatalities from rattlesnake bites are uncommon, but can happen, especially if there are multiple bites.
Signs that your dog has been bitten by a rattlesnake:
Two puncture wounds (rattlesnake bites may not always bleed much). Inspect legs, face, neck and ears. Non-venomous snakes will leave a bite mark without the puncture wounds.
Noticeable swelling (face, head or paw/limb of the dog).
Lethargy.
Muscle tremors.
Excessive panting.
DO’S
What to do before and after your dog is bitten:
Rattlesnake bite treatments can be expensive, costing over $2,500 in some cases. Consider pet insurance to help cover potential costs.
Have a plan in case a bite happens. Contact a veterinary clinic in the nearest town to ensure they have antivenom, before hunting season. Emergency or Urgent Care Vet Clinics might be your best option as not all veterinarians carry antivenom.
If your dog is bitten, try to get the dog to a vet within four hours as this is the most effective time to administer antivenom if this is deemed necessary.
Most bites occur on the nose or face area. Remove any collars (e.g., e-collars or identification collars) to ease the swelling.
Get your dog back to the vehicle. Try to carry the dog rather than let it “run” back to the vehicle. Place the dog in a cool, comfortable position.
“Dry bites” can occur where venom is not injected. Monitor the bite area for swelling. Lack of swelling may be indicative of a dry bite.
DON’TS
What to do after your dog is bitten:
Do not try to kill or capture the snake! This puts you at risk of getting bitten.
Do not try to extract the venom or use electrical shock on the dog.
Do not use a tourniquet or apply ice.
It is not necessary to administer pain medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, or antihistamines such as Benadryl. Some pain relievers may be toxic to dogs and antihistamines are not effective for venomous bites.
How to AVOID rattlesnake bites:
The only way to avoid rattlesnake bites to your dog is to wait until the days and nights become cold enough that hibernation occurs. In northern Nevada, hibernation typically occurs by October 15th. In southern Nevada, hibernation is delayed about a month, usually by mid-November. Snakes in northern Nevada emerge from hibernation in late April and in mid to late March in southern Nevada
Rattlesnake avoidance training is available through various small businesses. Search the internet for “Nevada Rattlesnake Avoidance Training” to view options.
If you or someone that you know is bitten by a rattlesnake, seek immediate medical attention.
