Three Dimensional Dog Training

Great advice from our friends over at Canine Country Club.

It is PEAK SNAKE SEASON in Alabama and we've gotten 2 reports from clients whose dogs have been bitten by venomous snakes while on a hike. Sadly, one beloved pet did not survive, which prompted us to share this information with you in an effort to keep your family safe.

Alabama's six venomous snakes are copperheads, coral snakes, water moccasins/cottonmouths, pigmy rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. From May - July, snakes are heavily hunting and breeding. During the hottest days, they are most active early mornings and late afternoons/evenings to avoid the intense daytime heat.

Snake identification can be tricky, but as a general rule, if a snake has an elliptical – vertical slit – pupil, it’s venomous. If it has a round pupil, it isn’t, except for coral snakes, which shares the round pupils of nonvenomous snakes. Finding a coral snake is a once or twice-in-a-lifetime event. More common are Water Moccasins, which are going to be in or near bodies of water – swamps, ponds, wooded streams. But out on the trail the most common venomous snakes will be Copperheads and Timber Rattlesnakes.

If bitten, attempt to snap a photo of the snake, but time is of the essence. Venomous bites will be accompanied by intense pain and swelling, and you should seek medical attention immediately. If your regular vet does not stock antivenom, you will need to go to an emergency animal hospital.

For more information:

https://news.ua.edu/2019/06/the-venomous-serpents-of-alabamas-summer-days-and-nights/

https://www.outdooralabama.com/snakes/venomous-snakes