It’s That Time Of Year

Snakes!

Just the thought of snakes make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Being a pet photographer and lover of nature, you would think that snakes would fall into that category of love. But so there is no mistake, here it goes.

I HATE SNAKES.

Now don’t get me wrong…. I know they have an important place in the animal kingdom, and I even like to photograph them (with a telephoto lens), because I think they are beautiful, from an art standpoint, but personally I don’t like them.

One of the biggest reasons for my dislike, is the fact that where we live (Wesley Chapel, Fl.), we have a large amount of water moccasins. They tend to be very aggressive, and with a conservation area behind our home, they venture into our yard, and…..WE HAVE DOGS!

One of my biggest fears is that one of these snakes will bite one of our dogs, which is the reason for me writing this post, so be aware, spring is a very active time for snakes.

Spring’s mild temperatures sit right in the zone in which cold-blooded snakes are most comfortable — not too cool, which slows their metabolism, or too hot, which sends them into shaded, cooler areas so as not to overheat. Also, spring sees young snakes searching for territory to claim as their own and adults pursuing mates. And all of them are looking for something to eat.

While individual poisonous snakes can be aggressive and most will strike if they feel sufficiently threatened, the majority of snakes, venomous or not, prefer to ignore humans or move away from them.

But they will bite.

The best defense against a snakebite is to avoid getting too close to one. And that requires knowing where poisonous snakes are most likely to be encountered.

Snakes are most active in the morning, before it gets too hot. Depends on the area, but around 9-11am is a busy time for them.

When walking your dog keep an eye on what’s in front of you. Most dog owners allow their dog to walk in front of them which puts them in harms way.

One of the first rules to leash walking your dog, is to make them heal and walk next to you. This will provide them with some protection.

Another reason you don’t want your dog walking in front of you, is that if they happen to encounter a snake, their natural instinct is to protect you, which means a confrontation whith the snake.

That’s all good for walking your dog, but what about a dog in a fenced yard. This falls in to my situation. Our back yard is fenced, but like I said before, we have a lot of woods behind our property.

Snakes choose their territory based on two things: shelter and food. Remove those two things, and the snakes will leave your property in search of a nicer home.

Keep your yard clean and clear of clutter and rubbish, don’t give snakes a fertile hunting ground (rats & mice), or cover for hiding.

In the event of your dog being bit by a snake.

If you suspect a dog has been bitten, keep it still and get it to a vet. Sucking the venom out, eletrocution, bleeding them, or any other home remedy won’t work, period.
Try to keep them as calm as you can. Our pets feed off our energy and if we are stressed out, you can bet they will be too, which makes their hearts beat faster and spreads poision faster throughout their bodies.

Time is very important.

Have a plan of action in place. Know where the nearest 24 hour emergency vet is located. Know the best route. Contact them before hand and make sure they can treat snake bites, not all vets are equipt to handle such situations.

Sping is a wonderful time, and we should enjoy it with our pets, but please be mindful of the dangers slithering out there.