Toxins: Rattlesnakes

In October, we had two cases involving a dog that had been bitten by a rattlesnake. Both dogs live in Orange. Both dogs, due to prompt treatment with antivenin, are doing well. In this article we will discuss the snakes, snake etiquette, and what to do if your pet is bitten.

Rattlesnakes are the only indigenous venomous snakes in California that can cause serious harm. Rattlesnakes are reclusive, generally avoiding contact with people and pets. If threatened or provoked, they will attack. Rattlesnakes live in the local mountains and deserts, but also in the local foothills such as Orange, Anaheim Hills, Tustin, Yorba Linda, and Chino. They feed on small rodents. They are more commonly encountered in parks and hiking trails in the warmer months. As the temperature cools, they come closer to homes to seek warmth and food (rats and mice). Rattlesnakes are heavy-bodied, blunt-tailed, with one or more rattles on the tail. They have triangular shaped heads with a distinct “neck” region. They can have alternating light and dark bands near the tail, just before the rattles.

Rattlesnakes will leave you alone if you give them space. They generally like to crawl along the edges of buildings, under bushes, rocks, and logs. If given enough space, they will not attack. Unfortunately, pets tend to ignore the “rattle” of the snake, which is a signal that it will attack. Most bites are on the face and muzzle. Sometimes there are multiple bites. A rattlesnake will leave two deep punctures with sometimes smaller teeth impressions. Non-venomous snakes will leave more small, even teeth marks, lacking the distinctive fangs.

If you see a rattlesnake in your house or yard, remove your pets and children from its presence and call animal control. If it is in your house and animal control is gone, I think it would be enough of an emergency call your local police department or 911. Do not confront the snake, as it will attack if provoked.

Rattlesnake bites are uncommon. Luckily, envenomation occurs only 30% of the time. Snakes do have high levels of pathogenic bacteria in their mouths, so infection is common. If your pet is bitten, stay calm. Swelling is common, so remove the collar if the bite is near the neck. If you are bitten on the finger or arm, remove all jewelry. DO NOT freeze the area or attempt to suck out the venom; this will cause tissue damage and/or risk spreading the venom to your mouth. Minimize activity, as vigorous motion increases circulation of the venom. The venom is very painful, do not touch the area on your pet or you may get bit. If you are bitten, you will want to go to the emergency room or closest doctor who has antivenin. If a rattlesnake bites your pet, please call us and we will refer you to the closest emergency hospital which has antivenin. We do not have antivenin here in the hospital. Do not panic and get into an accident, but do seek prompt treatment.

Snake aversion classes are available as well. These are basically exposing your dog to a defanged rattlesnake and in conjunction with small shocks to cause aversion to going near the snake.

Remember that snakes are not aggressive creatures and serve a useful purpose by reducing rodent populations. With proper care and diligence, a bite is unlikely.

This article was written based on information from the California Department of Fish and Game. Please read the article on their website at www.dfg.ca.gov.