Rattlesnake bites are serious veterinary emergencies that can be fatal to dogs.  They cause hyper-excitability due to the toxins and general pain.  It is critical that you keep the dog as calm as possible and carry him home or back to the car to restrict movement.  Large dogs that cannot be carried should be walked quietly to transportation.  All dogs bitten by rattlesnakes should be seen by a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

Knowing what to do and what not to do if you and your dog encounter a rattlesnake can prove to be potentially life-saving information.

Preventing Snake Bites

• When walking outdoors, controlling your dog with a leash is your best safety device.
• Do not allow your dog to explore holes in the ground or dig under logs, flat rocks or planks.
• Stay on open paths where there is an opportunity for snakes to be visible.
• Keep nighttime walks to a minimum as rattlesnakes are nocturnal.
• If you hear a rattlesnake, keep your dog at your side until you locate the snake, then move away.
• Off-trail hiking with an unleashed dog may stir up a snake; you both could become victims.
• If your dog seems unusually curious about something hidden in the grass, back off immediately until you know what it is.

Take Immediate Action in case of snake bite

• Try to identify the snake by noting its size, color pattern, and whether or not there is a rattle at the end of its tail.
• Restrict movement of the dog.
• Look the dog over carefully for fang marks, noting that there may be more than one bite wound.
• If bitten on a leg, loosely immobilize the limb in a functional position.
• Do NOT incise the bite wound to aspirate the venom.
• Do NOT apply a tourniquet without veterinary assistance.
• Do NOT apply ice to the area.
• Travel to the nearest animal hospital quickly while keeping your dog as quiet as possible.