Keeping Pets Safe During Snake Season

As temperatures climb and wildlife wakes up, so do the snakes, and for curious dogs and cats, that can be a dangerous mix. Every year, veterinary clinics across the country see a spike in pet snake bites as the weather warms up. And while not all snakes are venomous, even a non-venomous bite can turn into a big, painful problem for your pet.

For pet parents living in snake-prone areas, this time of year means staying vigilant, and a little more cautious, on walks, hikes, or even in their own backyard.

According to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, snakes tend to be more active during the warmer months, especially in the spring and summer. “Most bites occur when pets are off-leash, wandering into brush or tall grass where snakes like to hide,” she said.

The good news? A little preparation can go a long way in keeping your pet out of harm’s way.

If you live in a region where snakes are part of the landscape, like deserts, forests, or even suburban neighborhoods near undeveloped land, it’s smart to snake-proof your yard as best as you can. That means trimming overgrown bushes, sealing up holes or gaps in fences, and removing any piles of wood, leaves, or clutter where a snake might want to hang out.

And when it comes to outdoor adventures, it’s best to keep your dog on a leash and stay on well-worn trails. Off-leash romps might feel freeing, but they can quickly turn into emergencies if your dog sticks their nose somewhere it shouldn’t.

“Dogs are naturally curious. They don’t understand what a rattlesnake is or that it can hurt them,” said Dr. Andrew Hanzlicek, a clinical assistant professor at Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “They may think it’s something to play with, and that’s where we see a lot of accidents.”

If you do run into a snake, the best move is to calmly back away. Don’t let your dog investigate, and avoid trying to handle the situation yourself, especially if the snake is coiled or hissing. Venomous snakes won’t always rattle before striking.

So, what happens if your pet does get bitten?

First, don’t try any home remedies. No ice, no cutting the wound, and definitely no attempts to suck out venom.

Instead, carry your pet (if possible) and get them to a vet immediately. Time matters. Most dogs survive venomous bites if treated quickly, but delays can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, or even death.

Treatment often includes antivenom, IV fluids, and pain relief. The faster they’re seen, the better their odds. And yes, treatment can be expensive, so if you live in an area with high snake activity, pet insurance or a snakebite savings fund might not be a bad idea.

There’s also the option of snakebite vaccine for dogs, available in certain regions. While it doesn’t guarantee immunity, it may help reduce the severity of a bite and buy you valuable time to get to the vet. Still, it’s not a replacement for caution.

And just because you haven’t seen a snake doesn’t mean they’re not around. Some species are quiet, camouflaged, and surprisingly good at hiding in plain sight.

For cat parents, the advice is similar. The only thing that’s different is that cats tend to get bitten on their bodies instead of the face or legs like dogs do. And because they’re smaller, venom can spread more quickly. If your cat spends time outside, supervise playtime, especially in shady or overgrown areas.

Snake season doesn’t have to be scary, but it does require a bit of awareness. A little prevention, a lot of supervision, and knowing what to do in case of an emergency can make all the difference.

Our pets rely on us to keep them safe, even from things slithering in the grass.

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