Anti-venom medication is available at Royal Inland Hospital and downtown at the Neighbourhood Veterinary Clinic
As the summer season sun beats down, you might see more snakes wriggling around since it’s snake season. To keep yourself and your family pets safe this summer season, you must understand where these animals like to hang out.
The Northern Pacific rattlesnake is discovered in Kamloops — north of the Thompson rivers, mainly in the hills above Brocklehurst, Batchelor Heights and Westsyde. Not every snake will inject venom when it bites, however bites from these snakes can be really unpleasant, according to WildSafeBC.
When experiencing a snake, individuals must prevent touching or moving it; doing so threatens and can be damaging to the snake. If a rattlesnake bites you or your family pet, you must look for medical attention as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to draw or draw out the venom or put ice on the bite as it might cause more swelling.
Rattlesnakes generally spend time locations with sagebrush and shrub-type environments. WildSafeBC program supervisor Lisa Lopez said the very best method to remain safe from rattlesnakes is to be conscious, listen for rattles and stay clear once the snake is found.
“If you are in rattlesnake territory, wear long loose pants and high boots. You know, if you can’t see where you’re putting your hands and feet, don’t put them there,” Lopez said.
If you believe a rattlesnake has actually bitten your family pet, the most crucial thing is to stay calm. “In this situation, it is rare for animals to die from being bitten, but the sooner you can get your pet to a veterinary clinic or animal hospital, the better.” Lopez said.
Symptoms of dogs or cats being bitten by a rattlesnake consist of swelling, grumbling, rubbing their face on the ground or seizures.
Lopez worried the value of not bringing the snake together with you to determine it, following a bite. Rattlesnakes are noted as a blue types, indicating they are safeguarded by the provincial federal government and it is prohibited to eliminate them
Dr. Adrian Helmers of the Neighbourhood Veterinary Clinic in downtown Kamloops at 7 St. Paul St. W., said his center is among 2 in B.C. that bring anti-venom packages, which are a costly import for vets to obtain.
“In July, August [2022], we had about six cases that were referred to our clinic …Then I know Fairfield down in Kelowna had a few, as well,” Helmers said. “They just posted something on social media that they had around 20 cases.”
The Fairfield Hospital veterinarian center in Kelowna likewise brings anti-venom packages.
Helmers said there has actually been a boost in the variety of rattlesnake bites due to the increase in the variety of individuals owning family pets post-pandemic.
Aside from veterinarian centers, 3 health centers in the Southern Interior bring anti-venom medication: Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre in Merritt and the Lillooet Hospital and Healthcare Centre,
For more info on toxin and non-poisonous snake bites, see WildSafe B.C or their website by click on this link.
