Rattlesnake Problems?

[Diane Margetts]

Went to our lake house last week and had to kill 2 three-foot Rattlesnakes; they were each heading for our garage. The snakes "visits" were 3 days apart; both around 10am. I heard this was going to be a bad Rattlesnake year in California . . .

Dakota gets the Rattlesnake vaccine but I would just as soon avoid the bite so I've been checking out Rattlesnake avoidance training.  I found a nearby training that just happes to be next weekend--what luck! Training programs aren't often easy to find . . . I'll post our training experiences in case anyone else has snake issues.

[Diane Margetts]

I think I need to get a 'Rattlesnake Crossing' sign . . .

[F, Calla & Luca]

: )

[Camilla and Darwin]

Yikes...

[Jennifer and Jack]

Rattle snakes equals me passing out!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Yes, Gracie Doodle has had the vaccine booster every year and also goes to an avoidance refresher classes every season.  This is the first season we have not done the refresher.  We don't live where there are rattlesnakes but since we take Gracie lots of places with us I would rather be safe than sorry.  The last brush up class was a nightmare!  Gracie knew instantly when we got there what was up and didn't want to get out of the car.  It was in a new location this time but boy she got the whiff or something because she wanted no part of it.  Still, they put the really high powered E Collar on them and walk them out into the field with snakes strategically placed.  They are to learn sound, smell and sight.  Any part of that they miss they get a huge shock that sends them into the air.  They give each dog a 15 minute rest and then do it again.  This last time they left Gracie's collar on and she was standing on the patio deck with us when all of a sudden she starting screaming and jumping. They had switched the transmitters and were trying to use Gracie's transmitter on the dog they were training out in the field.  We decided that we were done!  So no refresher this year but we still do the vaccine.  One thing to keep in mind is that the vaccine does NOT block or prevent the venom from traveling through the dog.  It just buys you some time to get to the Vet by slowing down the absorption process.  Also, baby rattlers have the more toxic venom. So be sure to have a plan where you will be taking Dakota if he should get bit.  A friend of ours who invited us out to their ranch to help plant grape vines has two Sproodles.  We took Gracie out and then they informed us that one of their Sproodles just two days before was bit right there where we all were working.  That was it for me and Gracie.  She was immediately put back on her leash.  I also was doing a photo caravan in our mountains last month and it turned out my tripod and camera were set up three feet from a curled up rattler.  We had been warned they were in the area and I had my long pants and boots on but that didn't give me any comfort.  The only reason the snakes were curled up that day is because it was cold.  They look like cow pies when they are curled up!!!  I now think I too have lost my Lake House envy!  ha ha

[Diane Margetts]

Actually,it's not just the Eagle Lake area-- this is a bad year everywhere (at least in the central/northern) in California. A friend of ours moved into a new house in the Sacramento area and had a Rattler in the backyard. Two days later, her nighbor had one . . . and then another neighbor. They figure they were all from one hatch and have renamed their street Rattlesnake Street! There was a news report this morning that in the Sacramento region (which stretches into the Sierra Nevada foothills), the Poison Control Center is reporting Rattlesnake bites are up 48% due to the weather and environment.

I know the training won't be pleasant but Dakota needs to go through this little bit of misery for his safety. He will also warn us when snakes are around . . . He is extremely sensitive to correction so I know he will be very unhappy but I also know this will make a very lasting impression on him . . .

I am aware that the vaccine is only for time. (My husband wants to carry a vile of the antidote for Dakota and one for us--just in case--but I don't think that's possible!)  Rattlesnakes have always been around--we just don't normally see them. I think my biggest mistake was feeding all the ground critters which drew the snakes over to us for prey. We will train Dakota, adjust our summertime activities and, I'm pretty sure, all will be fine again!!!

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't feed birds because of all the mice etc. the food attracts. In some areas not so far from here the bird feeders also attract bears. I just have lots of bushes with berries etc. The birds have to do their own work then.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

The friends of ours who's Sproodle was bit keep the antidote on hand.  I think it has to be kept in the refrigerator.  They live in the country and one of their neighbors up on the hill was a vet so they know they can call him if something happens during off hours.  When Sierra was bit they just took her into town in the car and had the vet there do it.  Not sure of the refrigerator life though.  But, I would feel much better knowing I had it on hand.  The next thing would be able to get enough nerve up to inject!!!!!  ewwwww

[Diane Margetts]

I read up on that because that was my husband's preferred solution. I think it's extremely hard to get and I also hear that the anivenum can be worst than the snake bite in inexperienced hands. Your friends are lucky to have a vet near by. Come to think of it, there is a vet in our little Eagle Lake community . . . that's a thought . . .

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Might be a good idea to bake some cookies and pay him a visit!!!  ha ha

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Can't wait to hear how the training goes.  Nancie and Graciedoodle do this training every year in the San Diego area.