Dog Rattlesnake Safety

by oorang

Dog Rattlesnake Safety

San Diego California, like most places in the Southwest has a warm to mild climate which makes it ideal for rattlesnakes.

Rattlesnakes and any domesticated animal really don’t mix. Because rattlesnakes blend in so well to the natural foliage, when walking dogs are hiking trails and even in local parks you have to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.

Not only is it extremely painful should your dog get bitten by a rattlesnake, but there is a definite possibility for permanent injury and death.
Also, because the rattlesnake anti-venom is hugely expensive, veterinarian bills here can easily be $1,500-$2,500 to have your dog treated for a rattlesnake bite.

I’ve been watching my Airedale Terriers on average about five days a week and often encounter rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes will attack you, and will actually try to either stand their ground or move away. But, because most dogs are very curious, especially my Airedale Terriers, when taking them out for walks you should pay attention to the trail and especially the brush at the sides of the trail.

In this video I give you a couple of tips to keep your dog safe and also tell you about a very stupid law that actually favors rattlesnakes over dogs here in the city of San Diego. Yes, Dog rattlesnake aversion training is against the law in the City of San Diego.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

The Western diamondback rattlesnakes are solitary except during the mating season. Usually inactive between late October and early March, occasionally these ectotherms may be seen basking in the sun on warm winter days. In the winter, they hibernate or brumate in caves or burrows, sometimes with many other species of snakes. Life expectancy is more than 20 years.

They are poor climbers. Natural predators include raptors such as hawks, eagles, roadrunners, and other snakes. When threatened, they usually coil and rattle to warn aggressors. They are one of the more aggressive rattlesnakes in the US in the way that they stand their ground when confronted by a foe. If rattling does not work, then the snake will strike in defense.