A Lexington dog has actually had a rough number of days after coming across a copperhead on a path. As the dog rests up, a dog fitness instructor desires individuals to learn about methods dog owners can teach their pups to keep away from snakes.
Sasha the dog was bitten by a copperhead a number of times while treking a path in the Red River Gorge over the weekend. The Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team assisted bring him out and a veterinarian treated him with antivenom.
As Sasha returns on his paws, a Kentucky dog fitness instructor is wanting to help avoid other individuals and dogs from handling situations like this.
“I train dogs to prevent poisonous snakes by sight, by noise, and by fragrance,” said Pat Felton of Cross Country K9 Training.
Felton said the training utilizes live snakes using muzzles so the dogs learn the fragrance of a rattlesnake or copperhead, and an e-collar to produce a negative association.
“We offer them with a stimulation that’s unpleasant, so they associate that pain with the sight, noise, or odor of the snake,” Felton said.
Other companies prevent e-collar training, stating it might produce unintentional behavioral repercussions, in favor of positive support training. Whatever the technique, Felton said if a dog is bitten, fast action is the secret. He said individuals who trek with their dogs must understand ahead of time which animal health centers keep antivenom in stock so they understand precisely where to go.
“Most dogs and cats endure these bites with appropriate treatment, the secret being getting treatment as quickly as possible and after that promoting for your dog,” Felton said.
