Protect your Pets from Snakes

One of the biggest worries of the modern pet owner is what they can do to protect their beloved companion. One of the most popular pet predators, and perhaps the deadliest, is a snake. These animals can easily come in contact in your own backyard.

Now, a quick reminder, not all snakes are venomous. In fact, the most common garden snake is not deadly, or at least, its venom is not. However, even a non-venomous snake bite can lead to infection and potentially life-threatening conditions.

Snakes usually bite when stepped on or when they feel attacked, and it is in the nature of both cats and dogs to pursue yard intruders like snakes. Here is a list of things you can do to prevent snakes from entering your yard:

1. Tend to your yard.

The number one way to protect your pets from snake attacks is prevention. By mending any holes in your fence, trimming your grass down, and getting rid of unnecessary woodpiles, you’re eliminating a majority of a snake’s hiding places and prowling ground, not to mention their entry point.

Another thing you want to keep an eye on is the foundation of your house and of your shed or barn if you have one. Since snakes love an empty, dark, and cool hole to hide in, any cracks and openings in your property can be irresistible.

2. Avoid tall grass.

When you’re walking your dog, avoid areas that are growing wild, or where the grass is overly long, as these may conceal a snake. Make sure you keep your dog on a leash when walking in wild areas, to steer them away from tall grass and other places where there might be snakes.

3. Invest in a snake fence.

As part of your efforts to stop having snakes in your yard, consider installing a snake fence – either a special fence or a mesh add-on for your already existing enclosure. This will block the spaces that a snake would normally use to crawl through.

4. Don’t leave food sources out in the open.

An open trash can or a bowl of pet food will not attract a snake, as snakes are carnivores and prefer live prey to any leftovers. However, they may well attract birds, mice, opossums, and other smaller creatures that a snake commonly perceives as prey. Those, in turn, may well attract a snake to your property.

5. Keep your pets away from snakes!

This one seems like a no-brainer, we know, but it’s worth repeating. For one, if you think you’ve found a dead snake out on a walk, keep your dog away at all costs, as it might still be living.

Also, if you suspect there is a snake on your property, do not rely on your pets to chase it out or kill it. This puts your pet in direct confrontation with the snake, and the snake will bite your pet if threatened.

If you have a snake infestation in your yard,  we recommend hiring a snake removal professional as soon as possible! These tips will help you stop snaked from entering your yard, but it is best to leave the removal to the professionals!

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