snakes and dogs in the countryside, what I learned

Toffee is a 3 year old golden retriever. We were staying at a friend's farm in Nakhon Nayok for a long weekend, and the grass around the property was tall. On the second morning Toffee stopped suddenly and started barking at something near the water pipe. I called him back and then saw a thin green snake about a metre away.

I want to share what I learned, because I had no idea how easy it is to miss them in long grass in Thailand.

First, keep the dog on a lead when you walk in tall grass, especially after rain. Snakes move more at night and in the early morning, so that is when I now walk shorter routes. Second, if the dog gets bitten, do not try to cut or suck the wound. Keep the dog calm, keep him still, and go straight to the nearest vet. Ask your vet in advance which clinic is open at night in your area, because it is not always obvious when you are in the countryside.

Third, do not let the dog play with sticks or pick things up near the bushes. Toffee wanted to chase everything. The snake was not aggressive. It just wanted to leave. Now I always carry a small torch and I check the grass before I let him off the lead.

I know many people in Bangkok think snakes are only in the jungle. They are not. Every place with grass and water has them.