Sixth rattlesnake/dog bite this week alone, vet told me. Couirtesy photo
BY STEPHANIE NAKHLEH
https://stephnakhleh.substack.com/
We Can Have Nice Things
On Thursday this week, while hiking in Los Alamos, my dog was bitten in the face by a rattlesnake. It was mid-morning, cool and overcast, after several days of snow and rain—not conditions when most people expect snakes to be active. But they are.
Ziggy survived, thanks to fast veterinary care from Ridgeview Vet, supportive friends, and a lot of luck. I got him to the vet within 20 minutes of the bite, and he received antivenom and fluids right away. He spent the night at the emergency clinic in Santa Fe and is now home and recovering.
I’ve written up the story in hopes that it might help other dog owners and hikers prepare. It includes:
- What symptoms to look for, and why they might be delayed
- What venom actually does (and why speed matters)
- What I learned about common advice like “don’t let your dog move”
- And what I now think about the rattlesnake vaccine and avoidance training
Most of all, I want people to know that the things that save you in these moments aren’t just protocols—they’re people. I had friends making vet calls for me, watching a second dog I had with me, and driving with me to the emergency vet. That support made all the difference.
If you’re a hiker or a dog owner in snake country, I think it’s worth reading. Here’s the full story: https://stephnakhleh.substack.com/p/my-dog-was-bitten-by-a-rattlesnake
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