Dog Bitten By Snake At High Tor State Park

A snake bit a dog let off the leash by its owner at Hi Tor Park on Friday. A veterinarian treated the dog with antivenin and released it on Saturday.

Clarkstown Animal Control Officer Patricia Coleman said this is the time of year that pet owners need to be especially cautious when taking their dogs to parks or wooded, hilly areas.  She said the best preventive measure is to keep the dog on a leash and pay attention to signs posted in the parks. 

“These signs are for a reason,” she said, reminding people to use common sense.

Coleman said Kakiat County Park in Montebello has warning signs about snakes, and Cooperhead snakes are common in that park.  At High Tor State Park in New City, she said Copperheads and Rattlesnakes are most frequently seen.

“You have more encounters with snakes this time of year,” Coleman said, adding she did not know what the dog’s breed was or what type of snake bit it.

After a rainfall, snakes often come out of hiding to dry out so they seek out sunny spots. They frequent mountainous areas. If a snake bites a dog, get a photo of the snake to show the veterinarian for treatment. Try to keep the dog calm, carry it if possible and take it for treatment immediately. A Copperhead’s bite could be fatal for a small dog.

Bee stings also become more common at this time of year. Coleman suggested carrying liquid Benadryl in case a bee stings a pet.  She said a visit to the veterinarian would still be necessary but the medication would make the pet more comfortable.

For more information Coleman suggested visiting these websites: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/insect-stings-snake-bites-dogs and http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Pests/reptiles/copperhead.htm.