Layla, a pit bull in southern Colorado may have saved her 3-year-old human brother's life this week. While playing unattended with the family dogs in the backyard, the toddler saw Layla rush to the fence and start digging. Then he heard a noise that sent him inside to get his dad. That noise turned our to be a rattlesnake.
Although rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal (less than 1% according to the American International Rattlesnake Museum), they can be incredibly dangerous, especially to young children. While the child was unharmed, Layla, as well as 2 of the families German Shepherds were bitten. They were taken to an emergency veterinarian and are recovering well.
An employee from the Northwest Animal Hospital spoke to KKTV after the incident and encouraged those living in rattlesnake territories vaccinate their dogs against bites. The vaccination is recommended yearly for those in suburban areas and every 6 months for rural dogs.
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