a garter snake in the grass

Will Snakes Interact with My Pets?

As a resident, you’re probably well aware that there are all sorts of snakes in Los Angeles. For the most part, just like you, these critters are simply looking to go about their day. However, as more homes and buildings are going up, humans are encroaching on their natural habitat, so snakes have become a more common sight.

In fact, snakes have even made their way into people’s yards and homes. This poses a risk not only for humans but for pets as well. Here’s what you need to know about how snakes interact with other animals and whether or not you should invest in professional snake removal services.

How Snakes React to Dogs

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, so it should come as no shock that most dogs can smell snakes hiding in the yard. Dogs are naturally curious and are always looking to investigate with their noses.

If your dog were to come across a snake, chances are they would be very curious and want to sniff and paw at it. This curiosity often leads to them getting bitten on the face or nose. When snakes are fearful, they may let off a bad smell in order to fend off their enemies. This scent will make your dog even more curious.

The severity of the bite depends on the type of snake. Certain snakes are highly poisonous, including:

  • Copperheads
  • Rattlesnakes
  • Coral snakes
  • Water moccasins

If you believe that your dog has been bitten by a poisonous snake, you will want to consult with a veterinarian immediately. Some snake bites can be lethal in just a matter of hours.

How Snakes React to Cats

Cats work wonders for pest control. They are fearless hunters who get tons of joy from playing with small critters such as rodents or snakes. If you’re worried about snakes taking over your yard, a cat can quickly help remedy that problem!

Cats will typically hunt, chase, and play with snakes. While your feline friend may not eat the snake, they will bite it or damage it enough that it may die. Or, it will be scared and slither away.

On the other hand, larger snakes may bite a cat. Venomous snakes pose the same risks to cats as they do dogs. For this reason, it’s critical that you know which snakes are dangerous and which ones are safe.

How to Snake-Proof Your Yard

The best way to protect your pet is to take the time to snake-proof your yard. This minimizes the chance of your furry friend coming into contact with a snake. Some of the best ways to snake-proof a yard include:

  • Keeping grass trimmed as short as possible
  • Getting rid of stacks of rocks
  • Removing piles of mulch and dirt
  • Minimizing water sources

By getting rid of hiding places for snakes around your yard, you can decrease the risk of having these slithering critters near your home.

Consider Snake Removal Services

Worried about snakes in your yard and want to protect your pet? If so, consider professional snake capture and removal services from Animal Capture Wildlife Control. We’re experienced in a variety of snake services, including rattlesnake removal and snake inspections.

Call our team today at (310) 551-0901 to discuss your pest removal needs.