ASK THE EXPERT

from My Jarrell Monthly • August 2022

SHELTER STORIES

ASK THE EXPERT Neighborhood Snakes

Keeping Pets Ssssafe

While you’re enjoying park hikes and trips to the beach, don’t forget that we’re not the only ones out and about in the summer. Snakes tend to be more active in the warmer months, resting in dark, cool spots or hunting for food at dawn or dusk to avoid the heat.

While most local snakes are not venomous, it is wise to encourage your pets to ignore or avoid them on the off chance they do come across a dangerous species.

Fred Reyna, owner and trainer at Texas Snake Avoidance, recommends owners don't take home safety for granted. "Always have a quick check of the porch and surrounding areas rather than just opening the door, particularly in the evening when snakes are soaking up sun energy to get them through the night. Keep an eye on wood or rock piles, shady areas, or condensation drips."

THE HELPFUL ONES

According to Joe Plunkett, a Sun City snake wrangler, we should also remember to be nice to the ”good” snakes in our area. Rat, bull, brown, and earth snakes are beneficial and help control our rodent and pest population. Fewer rats and mice can help your dog avoid contracting leptospirosis, a bacterium that can be spread to people.

DANGER NOODLES

Most venomous snakes in Central Texas are pit vipers, which is a focus for avoidance education. Fred says, "Rattlers, copperheads, and water moccasins are beneficial in nature; they are only a problem if they bite us. A baby rattler's venom is most potent until it is about three months old, but an older snake has more volume and either of them will unload everything they have in order to survive."

If, despite your best efforts to avoid common habitats, you encounter a snake with your dog, it is best to keep your pet under control and walk away. He adds that snakes are primarily defensive and will not chase a dog or a human so simply steering clear is key to bite prevention. "Most snakes are just trying to survive and will leave on their own, or you can gently spray the critter with a hose until he moves away."

To maximize safety for your pet, Fred says, "Dogs can be taught to avoid snakes and perhaps just need a refresher now and then. We adapt dogs for avoidance using live snakes but, on your own, owners can also work on training their dog to return when called because they are excited about any kind of animal."

Fred travels the state to help pet owners and will arrange one-day classes to help educate dog-loving community groups like HOAs, rescues, vet clinics, etc. Contact him via Facebook/Texas-Snake-Avoidance.

image: Facebook/Texas-Snake-Avoidance

AFTER A BITE

Joe cautions, “The main thing after a bite is to keep your dog calm. There is no home treatment for a venomous snakebite. Suction kits and tourniquets should not be used, and NSAIDs (ibuprofen) may increase bleeding. Benadryl and antibiotics will also not help as venom is not a histamine. Just get to a vet quickly." Fred adds it is not necessary to identify the snake but do keep your pet calm and keep the bite site below heart level if you can.

He recommends antivenom treatment at the vet. Joe adds, "Regular vets do not always stock antivenom, but local emergency veterinary hospitals such as Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital in Round Rock generally do. Before transporting an animal that has been bitten by a rattlesnake, call ahead and make sure the vet hospital is able to provide appropriate treatment."