Careless or curious dogs particularly at risk for snakebites

Surprisingly, dogs, cats and snakes can live together in the wild without threat of injury because they are instinctually aware of each other's presence.

Still, domestic animals like humans can become victims of venomous rattlesnake bites in the woods or in back yards, especially when they are not paying attention to warning signals, says Dr. Carl Kelly, veterinarian with Round Hill Animal Hospital.

"Cats generally leave snakes alone. While it has probably happened, I haven't seen a venomous snake bite to a cat," Kelly said.

"And dogs are pretty good about snakes. Dogs surprisingly have an instinctual aversion to snakes. They know when they are coiled that they need to keep their distance," he said.

On the other hand, young canines or and what Kelly described as "city dogs" who aren't familiar with large open spaces can run into problems.

The animals, however, aren't ones looking for trouble. These dogs, like humans, unknowingly can step into the snakes' tracks.

"The kinds of bites dogs will get are usually to the face and neck," he said. "It happens because they are not looking at where they are going and they run right into one."

When a rattlesnake bite happens, Kelly recommends to take the animal to a veterinarian immediately. The dog should be carried to slow down the rate of venom that goes through the bloodstream. Rattlesnake bites are usually not fatal if taken to a vet right away, he said.

If a dog is bitten, owners should not try to suck the venom out of or put a tourniquet near the wound. Dogs are nervous and may bite the owner if this is applied, Kelly said.

More common are the side effects of the snakebite - infection - rather than the venom itself poisoning the animal. Within the venom there is bacteria, which causes digestive breakdowns in protein. Rattlesnake bites can kill areas around the skin and muscle if not treated immediately.