Snake Bites
Snakes are most active in your dog’s environment during the warmer months of the year. Learn how to reduce potential encounters between your pet and our native snakes.
Snake envenomation is one of the most common causes of death for pet dogs in snake-prone areas. Depending on the snake, its venom can cause bleeding or paralysis in dogs, the results of which, if left untreated, can be fatal.
In warmer months, snakes come out of brumation (the snake equivalent of hibernation) and become more active in their environments. As a dog owner it’s important to watch out for and avoid snakes, and in the event of a bite or other injury, seek emergency assistance from your local vet or nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Snake bite symptoms in dogs
Snake bite signs and symptoms can occur quickly. Depending on the type of snake, you may see the following snake bite symptoms in dogs:
- Swelling around the area of the bite
- Tenderness at the site of the potential bite
- Sudden severe bleeding, often into the area bitten
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Initial collapse
- Salivation
- Dilated pupils
- Trembling
- Difficulty in walking
- Pacing around anxiously
- Panting
- Depression
- Sudden death
What to do if your dog is bitten by a snake
If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, immediately take them to your closest vet clinic or emergency veterinary hospital for diagnosis and treatment.
Additional tips to keep in mind:
- Bites are commonly inflicted on or around the face, head, neck, throat, and front legs.
- If possible, take note of the colour and patterns on the snake.
- Do not ever attempt to catch a live snake.
- Snakes are protected, and killing them is illegal.
