Hiking with Dogs in snake woods????Sugestions??

adam0321

adam0321

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Aug 20, 2009
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So here is my problem. I am very ophidiphobic ( hate snakes) I do not like to kill them and have a very strong live and let live mindset. The problem is I love hiking and love bringing my dogs in the woods with me. I currently live in Florida which as many of you know is infested with snakes. Even though I know that ticks and bugs are just as dangerous I am terrified of being out in the middle of nowhere and having one of my kids..I mean pups tagged by a rattle snake or copper head. I know I can do basic things to keep away from snakes like watching underbrush never putting my hands where I can't see and so on. But I like to let my dogs run ahead of me and am afraid they will try to "play" with one of those moving sticks. I eventually am moving to a cold climate for this exact reason (northern Montana) but at least for the next few years the Corps is going to keep me in hot climates.

So my question is what do you guys do to safely hike with dogs in snake land and what to do if one does get bit. My dogs are a 105LB German shepherd and a Lab beagle Mix.

Thanks guys
 
There's a rattlesnake vaccine available for dogs. That would be a good first step. Most dogs have an instinct to fear snakes. If you dog is fearless of snakes, you might consider a snake pit training session if available in your area. But only if you're sure there's an issue because it's pretty traumatic for the dog.
 
Where can I get that vaccine? He hikes with a pack and his own first aid kit. I have a snake bite kit in it, but thought all vaccine/anti venoms had to be kept refrigerated?

Do they also make it for copperheads, cotton mouths and coral snakes? I am also moving to Japan and over there they have the Habu vipers. Not sure what I can do about that.

I think he is afraid of snakes but he has killed one already in my yard so I am not sure. I would rather avoid anything traumatic to the dog.
 
It's a preventative toxoid vaccine. You vaccinate the dog twice over a 30 day period, then administer a booster every six months. Your local vet clinic will vaccinate the dog for you. This is not a magic bullet by any means and will not help with most other snakes, but it can save your dog's life if bitten by a rattlesnake.

More here: http://www.redrockbiologics.com/rattlesnake_vaccine_faq.php

The fact that the dog killed a snake s good and bad. He knows it's not a toy, but he's not staying away. I vaccinate mine and let him run free. You just can't avoid all risk.
 
. I know and that’s a tough pill to swallow. It was a Oak snake he killed. I wonder if they have that for all snakes. I just wish I lived in AK so I did not have to worry about this. I can’t imagine having to carry my dead dog out of the woods after being tagged by a snake. I think the rattle might keep the pup away, it’s copper heads and cottonmouths that scare me more.
 
I don't live where there are venomous snakes but I do spend a great deal of time studying my dogs as I hike. As soon as my dogs detect anything of interest I pick up on it straight away and I usually have time to re-direct their focus. With practice I'm sure you will be able to do the same.
For those who also hike with dogs and don't analyse their behavior then I suggest you do as you will find out and learn a hell of lot !
 
I teach my dogs to fear snakes when they are puppies. All you need is an aggressive snake, like a large bull snake, place the snake in a place where it can't get away and it will will act aggressive, take the pup to the snake dragging him by the scruff of his neck, telling it NO and they usually get the message. I don't take the pup close enough to get bitten.

In the wild snakes will hide or get away if they can, they don't want to bite a dog, it is a waste of venom, the can't eat the dog so why bite it. Some ammunition outfits make good money encouraging folks to purchase shot cartridges for their hand guns and some feel macho when they kill a snake. It seems to be the human way, if you don't understand an animal, kill it.

I thank you for not killing them.

I teach my pups about porky pines in the same manner.
 
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I grew up in South Florida. I practically lived in the Everglades. I loved my dogs and took good care of them, which means I didn't let them run loose where I knew they would get hurt. Didn't let them get a hold of toads, didn't let them run where snakes might be lying in wait, didn't let them run near the edges of canals where a gator might drag them under. The Florida Everglades is no place for dogs, unless you're using them for bait to poach gators. Just my opinion.
 
I am in Panama City. I would not think of taking my dogs to the glades. I keep a very close eye on them but I also don't want to have them on the leash the entire hike.

As for the snake training....first I would have to get over my fear of snaes. The only time I have killed a snake is when I found the same cottonmouth on my porch several times. I hate them and they scare the crap out of me but I see no reason to just kill them for the heck of it.
 
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