Warmer temperatures mean Spring is here, but what else should we be thinking about? Rattlesnakes!
Kamloops is considered a semi-arid climate, so it is no surprise that we must share our beautiful outdoor space with rattlesnakes. We are home to the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, one of only three rattlesnake species found in Canada.
During the spring, rattlesnakes begin their journey out of their hibernaculum (generally found on south-facing slopes and rock slides) and back into their summer habitats. They tend to be more active during dawn and dusk than throughout the extreme heat of the day.
Rattlesnakes are often confused with Gopher snakes and Garter snakes, both of which are also found in our region. It should be noted that juvenile Rattlesnakes do not have developed “rattle”, so identification of snake species cannot be based on this alone, and therefore caution should be maintained around any snakes in the area.
For more general information on rattlesnakes, please refer to WildSafe BC: https://wildsafebc.com/species/rattlesnake/
What should I do if I come across a Rattlesnake?
It takes a Rattlesnake a significant amount of energy in order to produce venom, so biting is a last resort for them. If you come across a snake, it is best to stay calm and back away with your dog slowly giving the snake as much space as possible. If you commonly hike with your dog off-leash, it is also very important that they have a good recall in case you do come across any wild animals.
What happens if your dog has been bitten?
Rattlesnake bites generally have two distinct puncture wounds from both of the snake’s fangs, however, if there is already inflammation you may not be able to notice these punctures.
If you think your dog has been bit, carefully and slowly remove yourself and your dog away from the area. If your dog is small, you can pick up your dog and carry it back to your vehicle (thereby keeping the dog’s heart rate low). It is important that you try to keep the wound lower than the level of your dog’s heart (i.e. do not elevate the area where the wound is). The venom affects the body’s ability to clot, so often wounds will continue to bleed; do NOT place a tourniquet around the wound as this can increase the chances of tissue death.
Call your vet immediately and let them know what has happened; they will help direct you. Treatment of rattlesnake bites must happen immediately and generally includes stabilizing with intravenous fluids to combat shock, pain medications, antibiotics and anti-venom if available.
Antivenin/venom is the only direct way to try and neutralize the snake’s venom. Antivenin is most effective if given within the first 24 hours after a bite, but ideally within the first 6 hours.
Prognosis after a Rattlesnake bite all depends on many factors including size of the animal, location of the bite (bites to the limbs generally have a better prognosis), amount of envenomation and the amount of elapsed time between the bite and veterinary treatment.
At Neighbourhood Veterinary Hospital, we are happy to serve our pets by having government approval to purchase and use antivenin within our facility. Within the province of British Columbia, there are very few veterinary hospitals that have access to its use. Many cases from Kamloops and its Northern and Western neighbours are referred every year down to Fairfield Animal Hospital in Kelowna, so Neighbourhood Vets felt it was important to have a more local source available to the community.
Happy hiking and stay safe!
The Pet Health column was brought to you by Neighbourhood Veterinary Hospital
