Okanagan vet warns pet owners of increase in rattlesnake bites

A local vet is sounding the alarm on an increase in rattlesnake bites amongst people’s pets.

Although it is only the end of May, Fairfield Animal Hospital is warning pet owners of early rattlesnake activity across the Okanagan.

In a statement, the Kelowna animal hospital says they treated three patients for snake bites.

“Last year Fairfield saw 14 patients from May-September with Rattlesnake bites which required antivenin treatment,” says the hospital.

So far in 2023, they have already treated four patients and it is not quite June yet, which is typically when rattlesnake activity and sightings increase.

The animal hospital says two of this year’s cases have come from Kalamalka Lake Park in Vernon while the others happened in Wildhorse Canyon in Okanagan Mountain Park and Okanagan Falls.

Fairfield explains that 60% of snake bite cases happened in August and September last year but in 2021, 80% of cases happened in May and June.

“Each year is different, but we are always prepared,” Fairfield says.

“While Fairfield does have a limited supply of antivenin, this is because we are only able to order a set amount at a time due to strict import regulations.”

Although there are strict rules about requiring antivenin, pet owners are assured they always plan ahead and do not anticipate using up their supply.

The antivenin isn’t just used for rattlesnakes, it can also be used for the effects of venom from all North American pit vipers including cottonmouths, water moccasins and copperheads.

If your pet is bitten by a snake, Fairfield advises all pet owners to return to your vehicle and call a vet immediately. The hospital says it is important to remain calm and ensure you get your pet to help safely.

“The rattlesnakes in the Okanagan are different from those in California, Arizona, and Colorado. Their venom is not nearly as toxic, and their bites are treated effectively with antivenin,” the hospital notes.

Rattlesnakes are quite shy and keep to themselves, however, Okanagan residents are reminded that they are an at risk species and are protected from killing or capture under the British Columbia Wildlife Act.