Taking your dog hiking this summer? Consider enrolling them in rattlesnake aversion training

SALT LAKE CITY — Five rattlesnake species live in Utah, posing a dangerous threat to outdoor recreators and their furry companions during the summer. Rattlesnake aversion training can help keep dogs and their owners safe from venomous bites. 

According to Kim Beck, the owner of Top Dog Snake Finders, rattlesnake aversion training can save lives — both canine and human.

“It teaches the dogs to stay away from the snakes,” Beck said. “Basically, we’re turning the dogs into a rattlesnake detection dog.” 

She explained that after receiving rattlesnake aversion training, dogs will avoid them and alert their owners to a snake’s presence. Some of her clients have shared stories of their dog turning back and running to the car after encountering a rattlesnake. 

Rattlesnake bites can be costly, deadly injuries. Treatment for a dog can range from $6,000 to $12,000. For humans, the cost of treatment can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

“I had an associated in Colorado that spent 14 hours in the emergency department from a prairie rattlesnake envenomation. [It cost] $402,000,” Beck said. 

Although most people survive rattlesnake bites, they can have lasting impacts. Some victims lose use of the area they were bitten in. 

How does rattlesnake aversion training work?

Beck’s method includes exposing dogs to live snakes. She holds rattlesnake aversion training sessions outside where dogs are most likely to encounter them. 

“The airflow outside is so different than what’s in a building. I like the dogs to learn to pick up the odor of the snake and the sound of it out in nature,” Beck said. 

As dogs go through the training, she and her assistant use an e-collar to simulate a bite. 

“I’m a positive reinforcement dog trainer, but when the dog’s life is on the line, I am okay with an e-collar,” Beck said. 

She added that veterinarians and dog training professionals told her e-collars are the only effective method for aversion training. The collars remain on low-power or vibrate only modes to avoid harming dogs. 

“Some of the dogs only get [a] vibration,” Beck said. “They just get a vibration that annoys them.” 

Beck explained that kindness to all animals is an important part of her mission. She does not de-fang her rattlesnakes or remove their venom sacs. 

“I want to protect all living things, whether we like them or not,” Beck said. 

She said some other rattlesnake aversion classes allow dogs to sniff a de-fanged snake. However, snake fangs are shed every couple months. If they’re de-fanged as their new fangs grow in, they can still release venom into a dog. 

Preventing bites 

In conjunction with rattlesnake aversion training, Beck said there are ways to keep yourself and your dog safe when recreating in snake habitats. 

First, she recommended that people keep their dogs on-leash at all times. Snakes do their best to avoid people and are more likely to be lurking off trails. 

Don’t hike while wearing headphones, as they can drown out the sounds of what’s going on around you. Keep an ear out for the distinct sound of a rattlesnake’s tail. 

Additionally, be mindful of where you’re putting your hands and feet, or where you’re sitting. 

“Rattlesnakes do like to climb into little crevices underneath bushes. They like protection,” Beck said. 

Additionally, never handle a dead snake. Since their nervous system functions for hours after death, they can still bite.

“When it does bite, it unloads the entire venom both venom sacs,” Beck said. 

When living snakes bite, they don’t release all their venom since they may need it to continue defending themselves or finding food. 

More rattlesnake safety tips: Remaining safe while recreating near rattlesnakes

What to do if you or your pet gets bit

In the event of an emergency, remain calm. Do not administer any medication to a victim and seek medical attention immediately. 

“With your dog, if you can carry it out if it’s been bitten, that’s the wisest,” Beck said. 

As soon as you reach cellular reception, call emergency services. In the case of a human, dial 911 to summon an ambulance. 

If your pet is bitten, call the nearest animal hospital to let them know you’re on your way. Although many clinics don’t stock anti-venom, they can give give you information on who does. 

Beck said the following Salt Lake County vet clinics have anti-venom: 

• Cottonwood Animal Clinic
• VCA Animal Hospital
• MedVet

If you have a marker at the time of the bite, Beck also advised circling the bites and writing the time. 

Finally, do not suck on the bite or cut into the affected area. These treatments are myths that can introduce bacteria into the wound, complicating treatment.