Uncategorized – Reptiles Time

Most people are afraid of snakes, and rightly so. Venomous snakes can deliver venom that can kill humans in minutes. If you think about it, it looks like we are more afraid of snakes than snakes are afraid of us, but are snakes unafraid of our pet dogs too? Snakes are afraid of dogs, which is why their first response upon seeing one is to flee or hide. Snakes tend to stay away from larger animals that are noisy or move a lot because they perceive this behavior as aggressive and threatening. However, snakes will attack dogs when provoked. Further in this article, let’s find out more about why snakes fear dogs and what to do when your pet dog gets bitten by a snake. Why Snakes Are Afraid of Dogs Snakes are afraid of dogs because dogs are large, loud, and quick-moving animals that snakes perceive to be ground predators. Snakes are wary of dogs just as they are of other predators, like eagles, wild boars, and wild cats, and stay away from them as much as possible. But when provoked, snakes will not hesitate to respond with an attack of their own. Venomous snakes attack their prey as well as predators that provoke them by biting their flesh and delivering poison through their fangs. What To Do When a Snake Bites Your Dog Highly venomous snakes, like the King Cobra, can put down animals several times larger than themselves in a span of a few minutes. If you suspect that your dog was bitten by a snake, here’s what you should do: Clean the wound. The area of the wound will likely be bloody, with dirt and debris sticking to it. Wash it with soap and water. Apply a cool, damp towel. The bite mark will be inflamed and painful. To relieve the pain somewhat while waiting for professional help, apply a damp towel to the wound. But be careful not to apply too much pressure. Call for a vet. Do not try to guess whether the snake that bit your dog was or was not venomous. Instead, bring your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Sources Fauna Facts: Can Dogs Smell Snakes? Wild Animals Central: What are Snakes Afraid of? Top 8 Snakes Big Fears Wag!: Can Dogs Keep Snakes Away? Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies: How to Treat Your Dog for Snake Bites Live Science: 10 of the Deadliest Snakes