Rattlesnake sightings along trails in our area have become more frequent this summer.
Keeping your dog leashed at all times is the best way to protect them from a rattlesnake bite while out hiking.Â
Bite prevention is key to lowering your chances of crossing paths with a snake.
Stop and back away slowly – Give it at least 5–6 feet of space.
Do NOT try to touch, catch, or kill it – Most bites happen this way.
Wait for it to move off the trail – Rattlesnakes usually avoid confrontation.
Hiking in mother nature is beautiful, and rattlesnakes like to share those trails with us. Things can quickly take a turn for the worse if you're not prepared.
According to Johanna Vega, Animal Emergency Doctor at Animal Emergency and Specialty Center in Reno, post bite treatment is available if your dog is bitten.
"If a patient gets bit, it all depends on where they've got bitten and then the size of the patient, their general health, and then how quickly after the event that they can get medical treatment, and so if a patient is bitten by a rattlesnake, the best place is to get them to a veterinary facility as soon as possible," said Vega.
Officials encourage trail hikers with or without dogs to stay alert, especially around rocks, logs, and tall grass, and to give any rattlesnake they encounter plenty of space.
In Reno and Northern Nevada, the main species is the Great Basin Rattlesnake, which blends well with sagebrush terrain.
Encounters are uncommon if you stay alert. Snakes typically don't want to interact with people or pets and will normally move on when left alone.
Rattlesnakes are usually out at dusk and dawn and are known for venturing into neighborhoods due to drought conditions.
"It can be worse in our smaller patients just because they are a smaller body size," said Vega. "Bites to the tongue or bites to the thorax are usually worse. Most often we'll see bites on the front legs or the face, and again trying to get them the anti-venom as soon as possible."
Most pets will survive a snake bite if they are immediately taken to the emergency vet. Your doctor will determine the severity of the bite and what is needed for treatment and recovery.
