Dogs encounter snakes during play or work in the snake’s natural habitat. Most bites to dogs occur on the face or extremities. These bites can be very expensive to treat if the dog survives. The rattlesnake bite is generally “hemotoxic” which means that it exerts its toxin by disrupting the integrity of the blood vessels. The swelling is often dramatic with up to 1/3 of the total blood circulation being lost into the tissues in a matter of hours. The toxin further disrupts normal blood clotting mechanisms leading to uncontrolled bleeding. This kind of blood loss induces shock and finally death. Facial bites are often more lethal as the swelling may occlude the throat or impair ability to breathe. An exception would be the Mojave rattlesnake whose venom is “neurotoxic.” The bite of this snake causes rapid paralysis. This includes paralysis of the respiratory muscles and suffocation.
We hope that by taking part in this training the dog as well as the owner will be spared the pain and distress (as well as the expense) caused by the dog becoming a victim of a rattlesnake bite.
According to Herpetologist, Kent Beaman rattlesnakes living here in SoCal can be active all year. Anytime the weather reaches the high 70's or above for a few days the snakes can become active.
Here in Southern California snake encounters are relatively common. Ventura County Fire Department officials estimate they respond to a few hundred snake calls each year.
Many areas are rattlesnake habitat, and authorities have found them nearly everywhere, from bushy areas and backyards to garages and inside homes.
Click here to view upcoming dates!
