Aurora, Colorado dog park, Great Plains was closed recently due to prairie rattlesnakes attacking two dogs in May.
The prairie rattlesnake is a common venomous snake in Colorado. They have triangular heads and are light brown to green, with yellowish belly and dark oval blotches that run along the center of their backs. Their striking distance is half of their body length. Prairie rattlesnake hibernation ends in early spring so be on the lookout from spring to summer.
Snake bites can be fatal to your dog but are typically preventable.
Tips for preventing dogs from being bitten:
- Get a rattlesnake vaccination for the dog before snake season starts
- Be Alert. Leave the iPod at home. This snakes’ alert is its rattle – which cannot be heard over music at full blast.
- Carry a cell phone on walks
- Snake sighting – Stop! Go calmly but quickly in the opposite direction
- Never let a dog off of leash unless you have voice control of the animal
- Stay on paths and avoid tall grassy areas
If the dog is bitten:
- Call your veterinarian or emergency animal care clinic immediately before doing ANYTHING
- If the snake was seen, be prepared to describe it. If not, do not try to capture or locate the snake – spend the time taking the dog in for care
- Do not apply ice, tourniquets, or incise the wound.
- Keep the dog as immobile as possible
An anti venin for a bite can cost upwards of $800. Safety is immeasurable.
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