With changing weather patterns as well as a wet start to summer for many parts of Australia, snakes are being seen in urban areas previously thought to be ‘snake free’.
It’s a good idea to be remind yourself of snake bite symptoms in dogs so you can act fast if it happens to you.
Remember that different species of snakes possess different types of venom so these can cause varying symptoms that appear anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours after a bite.
Snake bite symptoms in dogs – what to look out for:
Your dog may display some rather than all of the following symptoms:
- Salivation (drooling)
- Enlarged pupils
- Rapid breathing
- Vomiting
- Hind limb weakness
- Lethargy
How to help your dog survive a snake bite
If your dog is displaying any of the snake bite symptoms above, make sure you do the following:
- Seek veterinary attention immediately, even if you only suspect your pet has been bitten. It is better that your pet is checked over rather than wait until it’s too late.
- Keep your pet quiet and still – this is critical to help reduce movement of the venom around the body.
- Do not attempt treatment options such as cold packs, ice, tourniquets, alcohol, bleeding the wound or trying to suck out venom in place of getting your pet to the vet – they are a waste of precious time.
- NEVER attempt to kill, handle or capture the snake as you risk being bitten too.
Always be vigilant and supervise your dog when they are off leash. Keep them inside from dusk (snakes like to hunt at night) and take care in off leash areas and around rivers and dams.
“Snake bite symptoms in dogs”, written by David D’Angelo
