Are garter snakes poisonous to dogs? Are garter snakes dangerous to dogs? In this article, we’ll answer everything you need to know about these similar but still very different questions. That includes teaching you what to do if a garter snakes bites your dog, the garter snake dog bite symptoms, and your course of action if your dog ate a garter snake.

Next, we’ll fill out your knowledge by telling you about where garter snakes live, how to identify garter snakes, where do garter snakes hide, and where to find garter snakes in your backyard. Finally, we’ll finish by instructing you on how to get rid of garter snakes without killing them. Keep reading!

Are Garter Snakes Poisonous to Dogs?

Garter snakes are not poisonous to dogs. They prefer to flee and will typically only bite dogs when feeling cornered or threatened. Their attacks will still cause a dog discomfort and irritation, so you should always avoid interactions whenever possible. In the event a garter snake bites your dog, consult your veterinarian.

Are Garter Snakes Dangerous to Dogs?

Garter snakes are dangerous to dogs, but only to a small extent. They are non-aggressive and would prefer to escape rather than engage in conflict. Garter snakes are known for their docile nature and are less likely to bite unless provoked. However, this does not entirely rule out the potential risk of a dog being bitten if it harasses the snake.

It’s important to remember that a snake’s primary defense mechanism is biting, and while the garter snake’s bite is not typically harmful to dogs, it can still cause minor irritation or injury. If your dog is bitten, you might notice swelling or redness around the bite area, which should subside within a few days.

However, if you notice severe reactions or if your dog seems particularly distressed, it’s recommended to seek veterinary attention.

Are Garter Snakes Venomous?

Garter snakes are technically venomous, but their venom is not considered dangerous to humans or dogs. The venom of a garter snake is used primarily to immobilize its prey and is delivered through a chewing action rather than a striking bite, like that of more dangerous snakes.

This venom is not potent enough to cause significant harm to a dog. In rare cases, if a dog is bitten and the venom enters the bloodstream, the dog may exhibit mild symptoms such as swelling, discomfort, or slight lethargy, which usually subside on their own after a short period.

Garter Snakes and Dogs: Train the “Leave It” Command

For dog owners, the ideal scenario is to prevent interactions with garter snakes altogether. This is where the “leave it” command becomes beneficial. Training your dog to understand and respond to this command can keep them safe from garter snakes and other potential hazards.

Here is a simple step-by-step process to train the “leave it” command:

1. Hold a treat in both hands.
2. Present one hand with the treat, and say “leave it”.
3. Your dog will likely try to get the treat. Ignore these attempts and keep saying “leave it” until they stop.
4. Once they stop and look at you, reward them with the treat from the other hand.
5. Repeat this process until your dog consistently follows the command.

Remember, consistency and patience are key when training your dog. With time, your dog will understand the “leave it” command, which can protect them from potentially harmful encounters with wildlife such as garter snakes.

But while these steps will get your dog to stay away from garter snakes, the underlying behavioral issues (prey drive, aggression, dominance, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog eats garter snakes and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog being bitten by a garter snake ever again!

Garter Snake Bites Dog

If your dog has been bitten by a garter snake, there’s no immediate cause for panic. Generally, garter snakes are not harmful to dogs, but it’s important that you monitor your pet closely for any unusual behavior or symptoms following the encounter.

Do Garter Snakes Bite Dogs?

Garter snakes do bite dogs, but are typically non-aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation. However, they may bite a dog out of self-defense if they feel threatened or cornered. Although rare, it’s indeed possible for a garter snake to bite a dog, especially if the dog disturbs the snake or attempts to play with it.

This does not mean that garter snakes pose a significant risk to dogs. A garter snake’s first instinct when encountering a potential threat, such as a curious dog, is to escape. They will only bite when they have no other option to protect themselves. Learn to control your dog around them by going back to the first section.

Are Garter Snakes Dangerous to Small Dogs?

Garter snakes are not dangerous to dogs generally, though smaller dogs might be more susceptible to the mild venom of a garter snake than larger dogs. This is simply due to their smaller body size. That said, even in smaller dogs, the effects of a garter snake’s venom are usually minimal and temporary, often presenting as mild, localized swelling or discomfort.

It’s important to mention that the primary danger to small dogs comes not from the bite itself, but from a potential allergic reaction. This would manifest in symptoms such as difficulty breathing or excessive swelling, which are medical emergencies that require immediate veterinary attention.

Garter Snake Bite Dog Symptoms

While the venom of a garter snake is mild and typically causes little harm to dogs, there are still symptoms you should look for if your dog has been bitten. These might include localized redness or swelling, mild discomfort, or itching at the site of the bite.

More severe symptoms, although rare, could include an allergic reaction as mentioned earlier. This could involve difficulty breathing, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or collapse. If you notice any of these signs after a garter snake bite, seek veterinary care immediately.

Remember, while garter snakes are generally harmless, any encounter between a snake and your pet carries some risk. It’s always best to prevent such encounters whenever possible by supervising your dog’s outdoor activities and teaching them commands like “leave it” to avoid potential dangers. Learn how to do it in the first section.

It would be a very good idea to get all of this handled now so that your dog will also be safe during any other future critter meetings. That way, you won’t have to worry about questions like are king snakes poisonous to dogs, are milk snakes poisonous to dogs, are corn snakes poisonous to dogs, are rat snakes poisonous to dogs, how to treat copperhead dog bites, or how to treat black snake dog bites because you’ll know your pup will keep at a distance.

Dog Ate Garter Snake

If your dog ate a garter snake, remain calm and monitor your pet closely. While there may be a risk of mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction, garter snakes are not generally toxic and do not pose a serious threat to dogs. Nevertheless, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog’s situation.

My Dog Ate a Garter Snake

If your dog ate a garter snake or you suspect they did, it’s important to watch for any changes in behavior or health. Many dogs, due to their natural curiosity and hunting instincts, may try to catch, play with, or even eat a garter snake if given the opportunity.

While garter snakes do have mild venom, it’s not potent enough to harm a dog seriously when ingested. The venom is designed to subdue their small prey, and it’s not dangerous to larger animals like dogs. Furthermore, the venom is protein-based and is likely to be broken down by the dog’s digestive system without causing harm.

That said, eating a garter snake could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some dogs, leading to symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. This is typically due to the foreign nature of the ingested material rather than any toxin.

In rare cases, some dogs may have an allergic reaction to the snake’s venom, even when ingested. An allergic reaction may cause symptoms such as swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.

Finally, it’s worth noting that while garter snakes are not typically harmful, other species of snakes can be. If you’re unsure about the type of snake your dog has eaten, it’s best to contact your vet.

Preventing Future Incidents

Preventing your dog from eating snakes in the first place is the best approach. Monitor your dog when outside, especially in areas where snakes are common. Teach your dog the “leave it” command, which can be particularly effective in discouraging unwanted behaviors such as trying to catch or eat snakes. We explain it in the first section.

As always, the best thing you can do for your dog’s health is to stay observant, take preventive measures, and maintain regular veterinary care.

Where Do Garter Snakes Live?

Garter snakes are among the most common and widely distributed snakes in North America, inhabiting a broad range of habitats from forests to grasslands. To recognize their presence, it’s essential to identify their distinctive physical characteristics and understand where they typically hide, including areas within your backyard.

How to Identify Garter Snakes

Garter snakes are recognized for their long, slender bodies and distinctive stripes. They typically have three longitudinal stripes: one running down the center of their back and one on each side, over the third and fourth scale rows. The stripes may be yellow, white, blue, or green. The background color of a garter snake can vary from green to brown or black.

It’s also worth noting that while all garter snakes have stripes, not all striped snakes are garter snakes. Therefore, it’s important to take into account other distinguishing features such as their head shape (which is wider than the neck and slightly flattened) and their relatively small size (with most species measuring between 23 to 30 inches long).

Where Do Garter Snakes Hide?

Garter snakes are adaptable and can be found in a wide variety of environments. However, they tend to prefer moist, grassy environments close to water bodies such as streams, ponds, and marshes. During the day, they hide in cool, damp, and secluded places to avoid predators and the intense heat of the sun. This can include under rocks, logs, debris, and in dense vegetation.

In the colder months, garter snakes hibernate in communal dens, sometimes in large numbers. These dens are typically in deep rock crevices, burrows, or under building foundations—any place that provides protection from freezing temperatures.

Where to Find Garter Snakes in Your Backyard

Your backyard can be an attractive place for garter snakes, especially if it provides suitable hiding places and a steady supply of food. They eat a variety of creatures, including slugs, worms, and insects, so a garden rich in these creatures can attract them.

In a backyard setting, garter snakes can often be found in or around garden beds, compost piles, wood stacks, or near water sources like a garden pond. They might also hide under structures like sheds or decks. Be cautious when moving objects that have been sitting undisturbed for a while, as garter snakes (or other wildlife) may have taken refuge there.

Understanding where garter snakes live and hide can help you to coexist peacefully with these helpful creatures. Remember, garter snakes play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling pest populations, and they’re generally harmless to humans and pets.

Learn to control your dog around garter snakes by going back to the first section.

How to Get Rid of Garter Snakes Without Killing Them

Getting rid of garter snakes without killing them can be done through a combination of habitat modification, natural repellents, and physical barriers. In essence, making your yard less inviting to garter snakes is the key.

1. Habitat Modification: Garter snakes are attracted to areas that provide them with shelter and a plentiful supply of food. If you want to discourage them from entering your yard, you should eliminate any potential hiding places. This includes keeping your grass trimmed, removing piles of wood or debris, and sealing off spaces beneath porches and decks. In addition, controlling the population of insects, slugs, and other small creatures that garter snakes prey on can also help make your yard less attractive to these reptiles.
2. Natural Repellents: Certain natural substances are known to repel garter snakes. For example, some people have found success in using a mixture of cinnamon and clove oils. These essential oils can be mixed with water and sprayed around the perimeter of your yard. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of natural repellents can vary, and they may need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain.
3. Physical Barriers: Erecting physical barriers can also deter garter snakes from entering your yard. Fine mesh fencing installed around the perimeter of your property can effectively keep these snakes out. It’s important to ensure the bottom of the fence is buried several inches into the ground to prevent snakes from burrowing underneath.

While garter snakes are generally harmless, some people prefer not to have them in their yards. Through habitat modification, natural repellents, and physical barriers, you can successfully keep garter snakes away without causing them harm, creating a comfortable and snake-free space for you and your dog to enjoy.

Learn the “leave it” command to keep your dog safe around garter snakes and other critters by going back to the first section.

I’m sure you’re ready to quit worrying about all of these garter snakes and dogs problems, so I’ll let you get started now. Good luck with all of this, and thanks for reading our article “Garter Snake Bites Dog! Are Garter Snakes Poisonous to Dogs?”