BEWARE THE SNAKES OF HOLLYWOOD
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| Snakes of Hollywood Hills |
It's true and not just the sneaky Hollywood types who are looking to do anything they can to make it in this business, but the actual slithery species. It's a real anomaly for us Brits to fathom that we may encounter a rattlesnake or two while aimlessly hiking in the picturesque landscape of the Hollywood Hills , which attracts not only humans but also a diverse range of wildlife, including snakes. As dog owners, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks these slithering reptiles pose to our beloved four-legged companions.
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| Bonnie in the MASH hospital |
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| Bonnie with her swollen face. |
I learned the hard way - whilst out walking my two inquisitive dogs, Bonnie and Coco - Bonnie unfortunately stuck her nose into the wrong bush and voila! - We didn't notice at first as she didnt yelp - when back at the house she was disinterested in her food - which is definitely out of the ordinary! On closer inspection I noticed she was very forlorn and that her cheek had puffed out slightly. a spot of blood also was visible - that's when i knew she had been bitten by something- a wasp, perhaps? Honestly I had been told that dogs don't react so bad to snake bites and thought I could just keep an eye on her - big mistake! and luckily my husband didn't take any chances and called the animal hospital - they told us to bring her in right away! and thank goodness we did as in fact a snake bite could be extremely lethal and we may have lost her - so I thought I could share my learnings with all you pet owners.and provide essential guidelines on what to do in case of such an unfortunate encounter.
Firstly, California is home to several species of snakes, including venomous ones such as rattlesnakes. The Hollywood Hills, with their mix of wild terrain and residential areas, can serve as a natural habitat for these creatures. Rattlesnakes, in particular, are most active during warm weather and can be found hiding in rocky areas, brush piles, and even residential gardens.
When a dog encounters a snake, their natural curiosity may lead to an unintended confrontation. Snakes typically bite in self-defense, and when a dog gets too close or disturbs them, they may strike. The severity of the snakebite depends on various factors, such as the snake's species, size, and the amount of venom injected. Swift action is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet.
Identifying a snakebite on your dog is crucial in providing immediate assistance. Common signs of a snakebite include puncture wounds, swelling, pain, and inflammation around the affected area. Your dog may also show signs of distress, such as whimpering, restlessness, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect a snakebite, it is vital to act promptly and follow these steps:
Stay calm: It is important to remain composed to effectively help your pet. Panicking can increase your dog's anxiety and heart rate, potentially spreading venom more quickly through their system.
Keep your dog still: Restrict your dog's movement to prevent the venom from spreading. Carry them, if possible, to avoid exertion.
Seek veterinary assistance immediately: Time is of the essence when dealing with snakebites. Contact your nearest emergency veterinarian and inform them of the situation. Follow their instructions for immediate care and transportation.
Do not attempt home remedies: Avoid applying tourniquets, ice packs, or attempting to suck out the venom yourself. These methods can often cause more harm than good.
Once your dog has been admitted to the vet for a snake bite injury, the veterinary team will immediately assess the severity of the bite and the overall condition of your dog.
Throughout the process, the team will keep you informed about your dog's condition and progress. They will provide guidance on post-treatment care, including medication administration, wound care, and follow-up visits. It's essential to closely follow their instructions and provide a calm and comfortable environment for your dog's recovery.
However Prevention is always better than cure and a lot cheaper if you don't have pet insurance. If we didn't have pet insurance our bill could have been upwards of $8000 - yikes! and the Animal hospital will ask for at least 75% of this this upfront.
To minimize the risk of your dog being bitten by a snake while on a hike, ask your vet about the rattlesnake vaccine - This won't stop the venom from working it's way around the body and isn't a cure - but will bide you some more time while getting your pet to the hospital.
Be vigilant during walks: Keep your dog on a leash and avoid allowing them to wander off the designated paths. Stay attentive to your surroundings and watch out for any signs of snakes.
Snakeproof your yard: Clear your yard of potential hiding spots for snakes, such as brush piles and rock crevices. Consider installing snake-proof fencing to keep these reptiles away.
Learn about local snake species: Educate yourself about the types of snakes prevalent in your area. Knowledge of their habits and habitats will help you make informed decisions to protect your dog.
Ultimately, prioritizing your pet's health and well-being is crucial, and financial considerations should not deter you from seeking immediate veterinary care in the event of a snake bite. Sometimes the hospital will work with you - I heard of a case where a dog owner couldn't afford the treatment and was going to leave with her dog and the hospital where able to help and lowered the costs considerably in order to save the digs life.
Bonnie spent a night in the Metropolitan Animal Speciality Hospital (MASH) https://www.mash.vet. and my heartfelt gratitude goes out to the vet and staff there who were kind, understanding and patient and most importantly delivered our lil' swollen, bruised, scared and embarrassed chipmunk back to us in one piece.
MASH
6565 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA90038
Phone: (855) 350-7387
Remember snakes have the same right to this land as we do - after all they were living here before us! -So be kind and let the snake pass if it is in your path and back up slowly if its coming towards you - another thing you can do is to attend a snake-avoidance class - https://epicdogacademy.com is the one I found with the best reviews and affordable rates - however its in Temecula - but with saving your dogs life right?
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