Bark About! Blog

A puppy pile of dog information and stories

Teach your dog to be aware of snakes

6 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe From Snakes This Summer

Published July 16, 2019
| Comments: 0

Summer’s the perfect time to get outside & hike with your dog, but the warmer weather also means it’s snake season, from about April through October. To keep your dog safe from potential snake bites, we’ve rounded up some important safety tips to keep in mind.

1. Stick to clearly marked trails

When it’s especially hot outside, snakes like to retreat to cool, shady areas, such as rocks or overgrown brush. When you go hiking with your dog, staying on clearly marked trails allow you to move safely out of the way should you run into a snake. It also reduces the chance of accidentally finding one by surprise!

2. Keep your dog leashed

One of the best ways to keep your dog safe from snake bites is to keep him/her leashed and by your side while hiking. This reduces the likelihood of your dog stumbling upon a snake while exploring, and gives you a clear vision of what your dog is doing. If you happen to see a snake sunbathing on a trail, you can simply walk around it.

3. Stay clear of overgrown areas

If you’re hiking off trail together, stay vigilant of your surroundings and check the ground often to make sure you and your pup are safe.

4. Keep a close eye on your dog

According to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, dogs have an increased risk of getting a snake bite because they stick their nose to the ground while exploring. If your dog likes to stop and sniff a lot while hiking, keep a close eye on what he/she’s getting into. If your dog seems interested in something hidden from view, keep a safe distance until you can see what it is.

If your dog gets bitten…

Thankfully, if your dog is treated in time, most snake bites aren’t fatal. Still, if your dog gets bitten, learn how to respond to keep you and your pup safe.

5. Move away from the snake as soon as possible

Don’t try to interact with the snake in any way. Slowly move away and give it lots of space. Remember, it’s more scared of you than you are of it. Snakes simply want to be left alone.

6. Get to a veterinary emergency center or hospital

Get to a veterinary emergency center as soon as you can. They can provide antivenom medication if necessary. If you saw the snake, take note of its size, color, markings, and whether it had a rattle, as it might help with treatment.

Recent Blog Posts

Honoring Our Four-Legged Heroes: K-9 Veterans Day

March 13th marks a special day for those who have served our country in a way that often goes unnoticed but is absolutely crucial—our K-9 veterans. These four-legged heroes are not only trusted companions, but they have saved lives, assisted in critical military...

Paws-itively Pearly Whites: A Guide to Dog Dental Health

February isn’t just the month of love—it’s also Pet Dental Health Month, and that means it’s the perfect time to focus on the health of your dog’s teeth! Just like humans, dogs need regular dental care to prevent issues like gum disease, tooth loss, and even more...

Human Obedience at the Dog Park

Dog parks are beneficial in so many ways. They provide a dedicated place for dogs to exercise, socialize and bond with their mom or dad. Some parks even have beautiful grass to romp on and fences for your dog’s safety. If you’re lucky enough to live in a city that...

Celebrating Deaf Dogs

In honor of Deaf Dog Awareness Week (Sept 22-28), we want to highlight some helpful information about these pups. Deaf dogs are often misunderstood, but with the right approach and understanding, they can lead full, happy lives. Whether it’s a trip to the dog park or...

Spoil Your Dog Day: A Guide to Pampering Your Pup!

Did you know that National Spoil Your Dog Day is approaching?! Whether you regularly pamper your pooch, or lead a routine-yet-pawfect lifestyle with your canine companion, Saturday, August 10 is the day to go all out and make your fur baby feel like royalty. If you’re...

Does Your Dog Have Service Dog Potential?

Almost any dog can become a service dog. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not restrict the type of breed that can qualify to be a service dog, but the dog does need to be trained to perform work or assist an individual with a disability with specific tasks....

Comments

0 Comments

Recent Blog Posts

Honoring Our Four-Legged Heroes: K-9 Veterans Day

Honoring Our Four-Legged Heroes: K-9 Veterans Day

March 13th marks a special day for those who have served our country in a way that often goes unnoticed but is absolutely crucial—our K-9 veterans. These four-legged heroes have saved lives, supported critical missions, and provided invaluable companionship. K-9 Veterans Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the bravery, loyalty, and intelligence of service dogs who have served in the military and law enforcement.

read more
Paws-itively Pearly Whites: A Guide to Dog Dental Health

Paws-itively Pearly Whites: A Guide to Dog Dental Health

February isn’t just the month of love—it’s also Pet Dental Health Month, and that means it’s the perfect time to focus on the health of your dog’s teeth! Just like humans, dogs need regular dental care to prevent issues like gum disease, tooth loss, and even more severe health problems that can stem from poor oral hygiene. In our blog, learn how to keep your dog’s teeth clean, strong, and disease-free!

#WellnessWednesday #PetDentalHealthMonth

read more
Train Your Dog Month – Start the Year with Positive Change for Your Pup!

Train Your Dog Month – Start the Year with Positive Change for Your Pup!

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to set new goals, and what better goal than to strengthen the bond with your dog through obedience training? January is officially recognized as “Train Your Dog Month,” a time to focus on teaching your dog new skills, improving existing behaviors, and setting the foundation for a well-behaved, happy pet throughout the year. In this blog, we’ll explore why this month is the perfect time to start, share some helpful tips, and highlight essential training techniques to try with your dog.

read more