AMARILLO, TEXAS -- As the weather continues to heat up, so are the dangers for your pets. Rattlesnakes are starting to come out of hiding and that could mean bad news for your dog.
In fact, Palo Duro Animal Hospital treated three animals who had been bitten by a rattlesnake in just two days last week. Some veterinarians recommend attending a snake proofing session to help protect your dog, as well as give them basic obedience training so you can call them off of a snake if they find one.
There is also a vaccine available for dogs, but some say it may not be a necessary one for all pets.
"Things like bird dogs where you're in really "snakey" country, a cattle dog that's at a ranch where there are a lot of snakes, some people that have seen several snakes in their backyard, that kind of thing, that's where I would use it," advised Palo Duro Animal Hospital Veterinarian Dr. Rob Ballinger.
You can usually tell if your pet has been bitten by a snake if you find a small puncture wounds seeping blood and serum. However, just because a snake bites your dog doesn't mean it has released venom. Snakes have voluntary control over how much venom they release meaning they may not release any, or if they're angry, may release a lot more.
If you dog does get bitten by a rattlesnake, there are ways to treat it. Most say antivenom is the treatment of choice and many emergency clinics keep it on hand for veterinarians if they need it. Dr. Ballinger said it's also very important to treat your dog with pain medication, antibiotics or IV fluids.
