Rattlesnake Safety for Your Dog

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and hike with your dog, and there are plenty of trails around Utah to explore. But make sure to note you are not the only ones who share the trail. Rattlesnakes are very active during the summer and sometimes end up on or near the hiking trails. While most of the time a rattlesnake will mind its own business, when threatened, it may strike. Keep your dog and you safe this summer by following a few simple tips.

Rattlesnakes are venomous, not poisonous, which can easily be confused. Venomous animals inject venom when they bite, whereas poisonous animals contain toxic tissue when ingested.

Most rattlesnakes do not attack unless they feel threatened. The best way to prevent your dog from getting bitten by a rattlesnake is to avoid them. As much as possible, keep your dog on a leash and be assertive. If you heard a rattling noise, it is likely a rattlesnake is nearby, which means it's time to head a different way. As long as you keep a long distance away from the rattlesnake, your dog and you should be fine.

Rattlesnake Bites

If your dog gets bit by a rattlesnake, head straight to the vet as soon as possible. Be calm and walk or carry your dog to the car, remembering that most snake bites are not immediately fatal to dogs.

Do not:
Suck out the venom (this is a myth)
Apply ice to the site
Administer anti-inflammatory drugs
Apply a tourniquet
Cut the skin around the site

Once you arrive at the vet, they will likely administer pain control drugs and antivenin, which neutralizes the toxins in venom. Antivenin is expensive, so it's best to avoid a rattlesnake bite at all costs.

Rattlesnake Vaccine

There is some controversy about the rattlesnake vaccine and if it actually is effective. Dr. Folland has spent years working with rattlesnakes, and can tell you the vaccine does not work well. Not only is it expensive, but there is not enough evidence to prove it actually protects a dog from harm. It was also created for a certain species of rattlesnakes. Protection against other species is unknown.


Have a fun and safe summer this year! Remember, prevention is the best way to keep your dog from getting bitten.

Dog Bite Prevention

Dog bites are a serious health concern and should not be taken lightly. There are a variety of reasons  why a dog may bite. Even dogs that are well-trained and have never bitten anyone can still bite if caught off-guard. One example:

A little girl startled a well-behaved dog while it was eating its food and it immediately latched onto her face. The dog had never had a history of biting, but because it had one moment of surprise, it bit and sent the girl to the hospital to get stitches.

We shouldn't underestimate dogs and their instincts. Dogs are animals and they will bite in certain situations.

Why do dogs bite?

There are a few different reasons why a dog may bite, and it doesn’t always mean that they are an “aggressive dog”. Evaluate your dog’s biting behaviors. Is it present prominently during play? Or is it in certain situations, i.e. greetings from adults or children, or at the groomer or veterinary clinic? A dog may bite as to say, “Leave me alone I don’t want to be bothered.” A dog can bite because they’re in pain. Or simply put, a dog can bite because they haven’t been taught manners. If nipping/biting is only present during play, then a great way to teach him to not bite is to redirect his attention on to something  he can place his mouth on like a rope toy, ball etc. In other circumstances be aware of your dog’s warning signs of any discomfort or uneasiness. Some signs include lip raising, baring teeth, growling, and snapping at the air. Their body language may include a tucked tail, ears back and possibly cowering and trying to flee the scene. Set your dog up for success. Diffuse the uneasiness by moving forward slowly by making your dog more comfortable through space or distance from any triggers. Redirect his attention on to his favorite toy or treat. Be on the lookout for any calm reactions and praise and reward heavily. Be patient while teaching your dog that biting is an unfavorable behavior. Punishing or berating a dog who bites will only make things worse. Always approach it in a positive and force free manner.

How to prevent dog bites

• Educate yourself on how to approach dogs
• Socialize your dog with other people and animals
• Be a responsible dog owner
• Avoid situations where a dog could potentially bite you
• Notice a dog's body language

Being aware that dogs are animals and could potentially bite can help you be more cautious around them. Educate yourself and try to avoid situations where you or someone else could get bit.

Important Info About Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccination is a necessary part of a pet's well-being and prevents a harmful (usually fatal) disease. Pets should receive it year round without a break. It does not matter if the dog or cat is an indoor or outdoor pet—they need to have a rabies vaccination. By keeping your pet current on its rabies vaccine, you are keeping other pets and humans safe.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a disease transferred through saliva (usually through a bite) that affects the nervous system. Once outside signs of the disease (such as foaming at the mouth) are apparent, the result is usually fatal. Most cases of rabies are found in wild animals such as raccoons or bats. In recent years, cats are the most common domesticated animal to be infected with rabies, because some cat owners allow their cats to roam outside and do not vaccinate for rabies. Cats are often exposed to wild animals that carry the disease, which can be transferred to other animals or humans.

We cannot stress how important it is to have your pet vaccinated for rabies. Several years ago, we had a devastating case that continually reminds us to educate our clients about vaccinations.

We once received a call from a woman whose cat had caught a bat while spending time outside. The cat had partially eaten the bat as well. Our manager asked the owner if her cat was current on rabies, to which she replied no, the cat had never received the rabies vaccine. Animal control was then contacted, and the news was devastating. The bat had rabies and since the cat had bitten it, there was a high probability the sweet kitty had contracted rabies as well.

Animal control told us the cat would need to be euthanized. This was not what we wanted to hear, but for everyone’s safety, this was the only solution. Had the cat been current on its rabies vaccination, the ending to this story would have been much different.

We ask that you please keep your pet current on its rabies vaccination. Not only will it save your loved one from a similar situation as the one discussed, but it will protect other animals and people. It is a liability if your pet bites another animal or person and does not have the rabies vaccine.

Animal control has specific guidelines when handling animal bites. One of the first questions animal control asks when an animal has bitten another animal or human being is whether or not the rabies vaccination of the animal is current. It is in your best interest to have your pet vaccinated.

If you have any questions about the rabies vaccine, please speak with our veterinarians or members of our staff.