Our curious and favourite four-legged friends have natural hunting instincts which is no surprise they may cross paths with a snake. Now that the weather is warming up, the snakes are on the move and we are likely to see a lot more snakes during the warmer seasons, whether that’s on our daily walks or in our own backyards.
In Australia, we see a large number of venomous snakes, mainly the Eastern Brown Snake here in Central Queensland. Snake bites can happen in the blink of an eye and the venom acts quickly. All snake bites or suspected snake bites should be treated as life-threatening. In the event your pet is seen with the snake, ensure you do not try and catch the snake or put yourself at risk of being bitten. You are best to contact a local snake catcher if required.
The most venomous snakes found in Australia that cause the most bites include brown snakes, black snakes and tiger snakes.
Signs of a Snake Bite
If your dog or cat is bitten by a snake, they may show the following signs:
-
- Shaking or twitching of the muscles
- Wobbly gait leading to hind leg weakness, paralysis
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting and/or drooling
- Panting or shallow breathing
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- No wound – you usually CANNOT see the snake bite!
Every snake bite case is different and signs can vary depending on multiple factors including the type of snake that has bitten your pet, the amount of venom injected into your pet (depends on the size and maturity of the snake) and the site of the snake bite are all contributing factors.
If your Dog or Cat is bitten by a Snake
There is no home treatment for a snake bite but here’s what you can do on the way to your local vet clinic.
- Remember TIME is critical, the sooner you can get your pet to the vet the better. If you see your pet near a snake, assume they have been bitten until tested at the vet clinic.
- Stay calm and keep your pet as still and quiet as possible – this can help slow down toxin absorption.
- DO NOT try and catch, kill or ID the snake
- DO NOT wait until symptoms develop, the sooner you get into the clinic the better prognosis your pet has to recover from the snake bite
- Immediately travel to your local vet clinic, calling on the way if possible to better prepare the team for your arrival.
Veterinary Treatment
Snake venom carries a large range of toxins that damage tissues and impair many of the body’s vital functions - they attack the nervous system and interfere with the body’s clotting mechanisms.
On arrival to the clinic, your pet will be triaged by the veterinary team and assess what emergency care may be required for your pet. Every case is different so if on arrival your pet is stable, the veterinarian will perform a physical exam and will perform a blood test to check your pet’s clotting abilities as this is one of the functions affected by a snake bite. In more severe cases, your pet may require immediate oxygen therapy.
If clotting factors on the blood test are prolonged and taking into consideration clinical signs, the veterinarian will then go ahead and administer the antivenin, other injectable medications and intravenous fluids. Depending on the pet’s condition will depend on how long the pet may need to be hospitalised. Some pets will lose their swallow or gag reflex and will not be able to go home until paralysis is reduced, reflexes have returned, vitals are normal and clotting ability is normal. Some pets can be hospitalised anywhere from 24 hours up to a week.
Prevention
- Take special care during snake season, generally from October to April but always be alert!
- Keep backyards maintained and clear of cover for snakes – keep grass mowed and areas free of rubbish, woodpiles and weeds.
- Remove food sources that may attract rodents. Snakes come into yards after prey but be careful with using rat baits and poisons! Best to use rat traps instead of baits.
- Choose off-leash areas carefully, ensure these areas are not near long grass or known to have snakes. Try walking your dogs on a leash when taking them out of the yard. Stick to tracks when taking dogs on walks.
- Where possible, keep cats indoors.
- Try supervise pets when outside.
- Invest in Snake Repellents for your yard.
- Communicate with your neighbours and local community pages if you see a snake to help other pet owners stay clear.
Home Care Advice after a Snake Bite
Brown snake envenomation acts in two ways; it can cause paralysis and it can cause bleeding tendencies.
Complete Rest:
- Please confine to a small area eg the size of a dog pen, laundry or small yard; tie up dogs if needed. Please ensure adequate shade at all times.
- Restrict exercise for 1 week, then introduce slowly as your dog will tire easily initially.
- For cats keep indoors for 1 week then slowly allow them to go outside for short periods gradually building in time once back to full strength.
Feeding:
- Please feed soft food until toilet habits return to normal; mild constipation may otherwise occur.
Unfortunately most animals do not learn from being bitten by a snake; if your animal is bitten there is no long lasting immunity; they will need to present straight away. They can receive more than one dose of anti-venom, but please let the vet know that they have already received brown snake anti-venom previously.
If you have any questions about snake bites or suspect your pet has been bitten call your vet immediately 07 4987 6800.