Veterinarians treating dogs with snakebites [Video]

BOULDER, Colo — While enjoying a hike along the foothills or anywhere in our state during Spring and Summer, pet owners are asked to keep their dogs on a leash and be alert of rattlesnakes as temperatures start to heat up.

Rattlesnake sightings are common between April-October. Dr. Lindsey Geiger at Veterinary Emergency Group has already seen two dogs that were struck by a rattlesnake this month.

“The most common spots on these bites are on the muzzle or the front limb, since dogs go down to sniff,” said Geiger. “When the dogs arrive to us, they’re brought back to our treatment area right away and we get to work immediately. The biggest thing is pain management and getting some anti-venom in as quickly as possible.”

When a dog is …