Movin South... Silly yankee questions...

[mbohuntr]

We are likely going to be moving to the Miss, Louisiana, Ark. area. Some questions... Our Sheppard has never encountered a poisonous snake. Is there any danger to him, or will he have the instinct to be more cautious....

I put my hunting boots in the garage for long periods. Is there a danger of critters crawling in there? Anything else we should know about? Thanks

 

[jeff9366]

Rattlers are a significant problem for dogs in Florida.

My (dumb, but loved) Australian Sheperd was hit twice in the face, six months apart. She survived both hits but succumbed to kidney failure at age ten, which I feel was due to the rattler bites.

Several of our neighbors have experienced dog/rattler encounters in the last ten years. Dogs survive about 50%.

Only once found a Scorpion in a boot in the garage. Good idea to shake them out after boots have "set" a long period.

 

[davesl708]

There are several venomous snakes in the states you listed. You will need to make sure the dog has basic obedience training like stop, stay, come, no.
Beyond that it will be a learning curve for snakes, skunks, porcupines or other critters that bite, sting or constrict.

 

[Texas Dawg]

We are likely going to be moving to the Miss, Louisiana, Ark. area. Some questions... Our Sheppard has never encountered a poisonous snake. Is there any danger to him, or will he have the instinct to be more cautious....

I put my hunting boots in the garage for long periods. Is there a danger of critters crawling in there? Anything else we should know about? Thanks

There is a vaccine for dogs for rattle snakes and other pit vipers. If bitten the dog still needs to be taken to the vet, but it does buy you time.
Red Rock Biologics, Rattlesnake Vaccines

 

[sseelhoff]

I highly recommend the rattle snake vaccine. We've given it to both our dogs.

As to creepy crawlies-lots of things that bite. Scorpions get me 2-3 times per year. Check your shoes. Or picking up wood from wood piles.

Be wary of black widows, too. We have a few of those.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I'd be more afraid of the people. Just because they act nice doesn't mean they are.

Also, you may want to experience a deep south summer before you commit to living there long-term.

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

dogs will run right up to a snake to check it out and thats why many get bit on the face.

yes open boots are an invitation to scorpions, spiders and even snakes, always beat them on the ground before putting them on.

now the people? well that just depends on what part of the south you move to unch: some are good, some are ok while others are no good at all.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I haven't seen a rattlesnake in years but that doesn't mean they aren't around. Here we see copperhead snakes and they can be just as deadly as a rattler. Moccasins are all over the south but generally move to the water when approached so they leave you alone if you leave them alone. Dogs and skunks are the bane to life around here because there is nothing I have found that will completely remove the smell but at least they are not normally dangerous (unless they are rabid in which case a bite could be deadly to your dog).

Training is the best thing that you can do for your dog if you let him run loose. Almost all areas do have leash laws though so keep your new southern property fenced if you want your dog to free range with the chickens.

 

[kenmac]

I'd be more afraid of the people. Just because they act nice doesn't mean they are.

Especially if you intend on bringing any northern liberal ideas this way.. Most of the southern states are pro gun.. If you aren't pro gun,, you may not want to come

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Especially if you intend on bringing any northern liberal ideas this way.. Most of the southern states are pro gun.. If you aren't pro gun,, you may not want to come

Thank you for the illustration. :thumbsup: