Imagine this: you’re out on a hike with your furry best friend when suddenly, a rattlesnake poses a threat. What would you do? If you’re anything like Todd, a young Labrador Retriever from Anthem, Arizona, you’d put your own safety on the line to protect your human companion.
I can relate to this story on a personal level, having once witnessed my own dog, a German Shepherd, alert me to a potential snake encounter in the wild. It’s a testament to the loyalty and protective instincts that dogs possess.
The Incident
Todd, just a 6-month-old pup at the time, was hiking with his owner, Paula Godwin, when they nearly stumbled upon a well-camouflaged rattlesnake. In a selfless act, Todd leaped in front of Godwin, taking the snake’s bite on his snout.
“My hero of a puppy saved me,” Godwin expressed in a heartfelt Facebook post that quickly went viral. It’s a sentiment echoed by many pet owners who’ve experienced the bravery of their pets in the face of danger.
Emergency Response
Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, Godwin wasted no time in rushing Todd to the nearest veterinarian. The clinic promptly administered anti-venom, a decision that proved to be life-saving.
“I got him to the hospital and they administered anti-venom right away,” Godwin recounted to ABC News. “They did not hesitate.”
After a 12-hour stay, Todd was on the road to recovery, comfortably resting at home. This underscores the importance of swift action and professional medical intervention when dealing with snakebites in pets.
Expert Advice from Dr. Christie Long
According to Dr. Christie Long, Director of Veterinary Medicine at PetCoach, Godwin’s quick decision to seek emergency care was spot on. She advises that if your dog is bitten by a snake, the most crucial step is to get them to a vet without delay.
“Techniques that were previously thought to be effective, like attempting to remove the poison from the location by sucking it out, do no good and waste valuable time,” Dr. Long cautions.
Additionally, if the snake has been killed, Dr. Long suggests bringing it to the vet for identification. However, she emphasizes the need for extreme caution, as a snake, even beheaded, can still deliver a dangerous bite.
Preventive Measures
Living in rattlesnake territory? Dr. Long advises against letting your dog roam off-leash, as this increases the risk of encounters with these venomous reptiles.
While there is a rattlesnake vaccine available, it’s worth noting that it’s not entirely effective against the most common types of venom. Therefore, vigilance and responsible pet ownership are the best defenses against such incidents.