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I'm thinking of moving to Chapel Hill or Durham and I have three Mini Schnauzer. What about snakes attacking dogs ?
I lived in NC all my 54 years, have had multiple dogs, and have never had one of them bitten by a snake. I can't think of anyone I know that ever has either.
My dogs have had 3 snake bites (copperheads) between the two of them and it is totally because they provoked the snakes and stuck their noses right up at them. Given a chance a snake will run and hide every time. I live in Chapel Hill on a very wooded lot. My cat caught snakes when I was a kid, too.
I know 3 people in Chapel Hill who have been bitten by copperheads. It's much worse for people than dogs. Usually dogs can metabolize the venom pretty quickly (like within 6 hrs or so), but people usually end up in the hospital for several days and may have to have surgery if the swelling is in an area that it could cause nerve damage or they may end up on crutches for a couple of weeks. It's possible that a copperhead bite can kill a small dog (I've read 5% fatalities in dogs) or occasionally a person, but that's very rare.
My dogs were completely back to their old selves the next day after being bitten, and really it was more like 6 hrs. With my younger, 60lb dog, she was fine within 4 hrs or so and ready and begging to go for a walk, wagging her tail, etc. Right when she was bitten she was in a lot of pain and paced and couldn't settle down. My older dog (25lbs) was bitten and was completely fine by the time he got picked up from the vet that evening and the vet had called during the day to say we could come get him, but the spouse couldn't leave work and I was out of town.
It's definitely something to be aware of, but nothing I'd worry greatly about.
Keep in mind that venomous snakes don't always inject venom on the first bite. Sometimes they bite as a warning(dry bite). Dogs are curious by nature and do get bitten here. Carcrazy is correct that copperheads don't back down. They are not going to chase you or your dog, but they will not flee like some other snakes if you happen upon them.
Yes, thats risky. Cottonmouths hang out around water, as can copperheads. A bite to a young child is worse than a bite to a adult, due to their smaller size and not-fully-developed immune systems.
Did you see the videos I posted? Some copperheads can be very, very docile, others can be a bit more defensive. Cottonmouths are unique in the fact that when theyre mad, they sit perfectly still, raise their heads up and open their mouths to expose the white lining (hence the term "cottonmouth") and can remain that way for hours, they wont strike out like other snakes. The only way youll get bit is if you put your hand right by its mouth or accidentally step on one. Even then, alot of snake bites are "dry", meaning no venom was injected. Snakes conserve their venom and can choose to envenomate or not. Most times they will choose not to waste their venom on something they cannot kill and ingest.
Did you see the videos I posted? Tried to view they are private on YouTube.
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