We’re big dog lovers, so when the weather warms up and the rattlers emerge from their long winter nap, it’s time to start paying attention to what your dog wanders into when sniffing the bushes on your walk.
So we asked our vet for advice and thought you might like to hear it too.
To help prevent your dog from being bitten by a rattlesnake:
- Keep them on a 6-foot leash, as opposed to those long extended models
- Keep them out of rock and brush areas where snakes like to make their dens
- Be sure your own yard is snake-proof
- Consider getting the rattlesnake vaccination
Locally, we called both vets and of the two, the Boulder City Animal Hospital (700 Nevada Way) is the only one who offers the vaccine. They also are the only one of the two who has anti-venom on hand if your dog is bitten.
After hours, then your closest resource is one of the Pet ER Centers located in Las Vegas. (One web site is here for you)
We had a reader who once told us that her dog being bitten by a rattlesnake cost her some $2600 in expenses! Although of course if your dog is bitten the first thing you’re trying to do is to just save their lives…
For tips, we talked to Dr. William Pass DVM locally, and he created this article here full of helpful advice of what TO DO or NOT DO if your dog is bitten.
Wishing you and your fur-babies a safe summer season!
