There’s nothing quite like the freedom of the trails in Colorado! There’s so much to see and explore for both you and your canine companion. It can be a real treat to take your dog off leash hiking with you on the trails, but there are a few safety tips to keep in mind while you and Rover are having a good time. For more tips on trail safety, check out this previous blog post!
One danger present in the Colorado countryside is the Prairie rattler, or Western rattler. This snake is venomous, and their bite is both painful and, sometimes, deadly. We’ll outline what to look for, and how to stay as safe as you can while out on the trails with these rattlesnakes.
Snakes and Their Environment
Prairie rattlesnakes can be found all over Colorado. They’ve been spotted in nearby parks as well as being in the more remote areas of the backcountry. Snakes prefer 50-80 degree weather, and places which are rocky or grassy. They are cold blooded reptiles, meaning they need to warm themselves in the sun in order to survive. Most bites occur when a snake is surprised while sunning itself.
Snakes are most active at dusk and at night, which is when most people and animals are bitten. Use caution whenever you are on the trails at dusk. The best time of day to go out with your dog on a trail is when the sun is up! If you will be in places where there have been snake sightings, you may choose to keep your dog on the leash, which helps to limit their ability to get into snake-related trouble.
Preventing Snake Mishaps with Your Dog
Dogs are generally afraid of snakes and won’t approach one if they see it first. Most often a dog is bitten because they didn’t see the snake, or didn’t realize what it was until the snake struck out in defense. The best way to avoid a snake is to avoid the areas where snakes are known to sun themselves. This is of course hard to do, as snakes live all over Colorado.
You can work on snake aversion training with your dog, which teaches the dog to avoid a snake when they see it. The training is usually recommended for people who take their dogs out into the wilder areas more often, as that is where you are likeliest to encounter a snake. It will not stop a snake bite, but it may help your dog recognize and avoid a rattlesnake if they come across it.
You can also keep your dog on their leash for your walk, which is always recommended for busy trails, and high-strung dogs. If you do like to take your dog off leash hiking, you should be comfortable with giving verbal commands to your dog which are obeyed. If your dog doesn’t listen well, off leash may be for areas you know very well, not the wilderness.
Top Tips:
- Visit the trails when the sun is up, not at dusk.
- Keep your dog on the leash if you are worried about him getting into areas where snakes may be sunning or sleeping.
- Be cautious in tall grasses and rocky outcrops, as these are prime snake sunning and sleeping places.
- If you like to visit the trails often with your dog, snake aversion training may be a good option.
- There will always be a risk in the outdoors, but as long as you keep your dog in sight and watch what they’re getting into, you and your dog should be able to avoid rattlesnake bites.
- A rattlesnake makes their iconic rattling noise to warn off threats. If you are confronted with a snake making that rattle, try to back away slowly and leave the area.
Treatment for Snake Bites
If your dog is bitten, the most important thing is to keep them as calm as you can to help keep the venom from spreading. Walk back to your car and immediately drive to the nearest emergency vet. If you don’t have an emergency vet nearby, then seek out your usual vet and tell them it is a snake bite emergency.
Most dogs are bitten on the head or forelegs. DO NOT try to put a tourniquet on your dog! This can ultimately do more damage than the snake bite itself. You should leave the bite alone and get your pet to the vet as soon as you can. Once there, make sure to describe the snake, if you saw it. The emergency vet should have anti-venom available, and will likely want to keep your dog for 12-24 hours for observation.
Smaller dogs are more at risk of succumbing to the venom of a rattlesnake due to their small size. It is especially critical to get them to the emergency vet as soon as you can to treat the bite. With a bigger dog the effects are a little more diluted, but it is still important to get immediate vet assistance.
Off Road Paws Wants To Take Your Dog Off Leash Hiking!
Off Road Paws is owned and operated by a veterinarian! All of our staff are all well trained to recognize the areas where snakes may be, and to keep your dog safe on the trails. There is no way to completely avoid the danger of a rattlesnake attack, but our staff are trained to know how to handle any emergency, should one arise.
We provide both on and off leash services for our clients, tailored to the temperament of each dog. Our staff have extensive knowledge of the Lafayette, Louisville, Broomfield, and South Boulder areas and the trails therein. We’re happy to tire out your dog on the trails for you, or just go for a regular walk if that’s all you need. Multi-dog household? We can take all of your pups out, or just the most energetic.
To book your services with Off Road Paws, contact us here. To learn more about all of the pet sitting, dog walking, and dog running services we offer, visit our website. Give your dog a treat and book a walk, run, or pet sitting session today!