As the weather warms up, our scaly friends are spending more time out and about, meaning the risk of snake bites in pets increases. Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes, and even a single bite can cause severe illness, organ damage or death if not treated promptly. Knowing the signs of snakebite and what to do if one occurs can save your pet’s life.
You may see your pet get bitten by a snake, but sometimes (especially in outdoor cats), you may not know that a snakebite has occurred until symptoms appear.
Snakes in the region
In Melbourne, we have a variety of venomous snakes, including Tiger snakes, Copperheads, Red-Bellied Black snakes and Eastern Brown snakes.
Symptoms of Snakebites
These may appear within minutes or can be delayed for several hours, and include:
- Sudden weakness or collapse
- Shaking, muscle tremors
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting or drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, or bite site
- Loss of coordination
- Paralysis
- Sudden death, in severe cases
Note that you may not see a bite wound. If your pet shows sudden symptoms after being outside, a snakebite should always be considered.
What to do if you suspect a snakebite
A snakebite is an emergency and immediate veterinary treatment is essential.
Do:
- Keep your pet as calm and still as possible
- Carry your pet if possible
- Bring them to the nearest vet clinic as soon as possible
- Call the vet clinic while on the way so they can prepare
Do not:
- Apply a tourniquet
- Cut or suck the wound
- Give human medication
- Wait and “see how they go”
What happens at the vet clinic and how are snake bites treated?
Treatment will depend on the severity of the bites, and may include the following:
- Antivenom
- Pain relief
- IV fluids
- Blood clotting support
- Intensive monitoring and hospitalisation, sometimes for multiple days
Reducing the risk of Snakebite
Although impossible to eliminate all risk, you can do a few things to help your protect, such as:
- Keep grass and yards short and tidy
- Remove piles of wood, rocks, or debris
- Avoid bushland walks during hot days
- Keep your pets on lead
- Supervise pets outdoors
- Snake avoidance training is possible for dogs
What if you’re not sure if your pet got bitten by a snake?
When in doubt, better safe than sorry! Snakebite can progress rapidly, and early treatment increases the chance of survival. If you think your pet may have been bitten, even if you’re not sure, seek veterinary care immediately.
Don’t hesitate to call our team at Northside Vets on (03) 7053 7730 if you have any questions!
If your pet needs emergency out-of-hours (OOH) care, please visit your nearest OOH hospital. The closest OOH veterinary clinic is Advanced Vet Care (AVC) Kew, located at 2/6 Chandler Hwy, Kew VIC 3101, phone number: (03) 9020 3555.
