How to protect your pets from rattlesnakes

Veterinarian Ben Brown shares tips on keeping pets safe from wild animals, including rattlesnakes. There are seven types of rattlesnake species that are indigenous to Utah:

Rattlesnake Species Indigenous To Utah: Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes),
Speckled Rattlesnake (C. mitchellii)
Mojave Rattlesnake (C. scutulatus)
Western Rattlesnake (C. viridis)
Hopi Rattlesnake (C.V. nuntius)
Midget-faded Rattlesnake (C.V. concolor)
Great Basin Rattlesnake (C.V. lutosus)

In order to keep your pets safe, Dr. Brown recommends:

• hiking & walking loudly
• paying attention to surroundings
• if your pet senses danger, they are probably correct
• getting your pets vaccinated against rattlesnakes
• be especially careful at dawn and dusk

If your pet does get bit by a rattlesnake avoid trying to solve the problem and get to a veterinarian office as soon as possible.

For more information about The Travel Vet, go here or call 801.989.4331