Snakes don't like to get in the way of dogs, the reason being that dogs are louder, bigger, and more annoying than a good snack. If your dog is present in an area, the chances are high that snakes will stay away.
Some dogs show a natural avoidance of things that hiss or rattle, but unfortunately some do not.
However, dogs and cats are usually curious by nature. A lot also have natural hunting instincts that will cause them to go after a snake rather than avoid it. That is why it is best to take precautions to stop you having to pull your pet away from a snake in the first place.
The newest evidence comes from a paper in Applied Animal Behavior Science, which found that dogs can smell the difference between a venomous rattlesnake and a harmless boa, but they find the smell intriguing rather than terrifying.
Dogs can smell many things. Their sense of smell is so finely tuned that they can smell termites underground, rats hiding in tunnels, and snakes slithering in the bushes.
Foxes and raccoons are common predators of snakes. Guinea hens, turkeys, pigs, and cats will also help keep snakes away. If foxes are indigenous to your area, fox urine is a very good natural repellent for snakes when spread around your property.
Dogs and snakes don't mix!
A dog's natural curiosity can quickly get them into trouble unless they have previously learned to stay out of harm's way!
Introduce snake
Place a toy snake on the ground. Put your dog on a leash and when he goes to investigate, say "leave it". If your dog leaves the snake, reward with treat. If he approaches, say "no", and walk with your dog on the leash in the opposite direction.
Snakes will often bite your pet in the face, neck, or legs when the dog tries to catch the snake.
Some snakes such as eastern brown snakes are active during the day, others prefer to hunt in the evening, while some species are more active at night during the hotter months.
Snakes enter a building because they're lured in by dark, damp, cool areas or in search of small animals, like rats and mice, for food. Snakes can be discouraged from entering a home in several ways. Keeping the vegetation around the house cut short can make the home less attractive to small animals and snakes.
Walk your dog on a lead or ensure your dog won't leave your side when going for a walk. There is less chance your dog will be bitten if your dog is beside you the whole time. Do not let your dog dog explore holes or dig under rocks or logs and keep away from high grass and rocks where snakes like to rest.
Get to a vet
As we have already said, the most important thing to do is to get your dog to a vet as soon as possible, as they will be able to administer anti-venom. While first aid is a great way to reduce the harm done, only a vet can properly treat a snake bite.
Ammonia is a common snake repellent. Snakes hate the smell of ammonia and won't come near it. Soak rags in ammonia and place them in unsealed plastic bags. Leave the bags where you usually see snakes to keep them away.
This study, which surveyed veterinary clinics in Queensland, reported an average of 12 cases of snake envenomation in dogs each year per clinic.
In Australia there may be 60,000 cases of snake bites per year of dogs and cats. Up to 15,000 deaths of pets may occur.
Incidence of Snake Bites in Pets
Approximately 150,000 dogs and cats in the United States are bitten by venomous snakes each year.
According to experts, unfortunately, it can happen. Not only can snakes come up through the toilet, but other critters like rats, squirrels, and tree frogs can too. However, this is not a very common occurrence, so you can breathe a sigh of relief.
When it's cooler, snakes are typically out moving. Just because you see one does not mean there are more. If you see 6+ babies or adults in the same location in a short amount of time, then you have a problem.
Snakes are most active whenever temperatures are between 80-90F. This means that the snakes may be active most of the day during the spring, and during the early mornings and late afternoons throughout the summer.
The female 'Bully Kutta' (Indian mastiff) dog, which is only less than two years old, took on a 3-foot-long Russell's viper, which had creeped onto the veranda. Despite receiving multiple bites from the snake on its face and thigh, the canine managed to overpower and kill it.