While some snakes are non-venomous and make wonderful pets, there are plenty that are a risk to other animals.
WATCH: Pet Snakes For Beginners
Australia is home to many dangerous animals and one everyone has on their radar is snakes. Not only can a snake bite be fatal to a person, but pets too.
Though they’re more active in summer, it’s important to always be alert or at the very least aware of the signs and symptoms of a snake bite in pets. There’s nothing worse than your dog facing a life or death attack and not knowing what to do and how to help them.
The survival of your pet depends on the snake type, bite location, amount of venom injected and how quickly the anti-venom is administered.
Snake bite symptoms in pets
The symptoms of a snake bite in dogs, cats or any other household pet can include shaking or twitching of the victim’s muscles, difficulty blinking and breathing, hind limb weakness followed by collapse, loss of bladder and bowel control, vomiting, paralysis, salivation and enlarged pupils.
Pets are usually bitten on or around the head, neck and front legs but it is rare to find the bite mark on your pet. Snake bites are easily concealed because snakes have small, razor-like fangs, a bite mark could easily appear as a scratch.
What to do if your pet is bitten by a snake
If your dog or cat shows signs of a bite, keep it calm, and get to the vet immediately. Carry them and try to restrict all movement. The animal has a better chance of survival the earlier it receives anti-venom treatment. Rather than looking for a bite, observe your pets behaviour and act quickly. Recovery can take two days or longer, depending on the severity of the bite.
How to prevent pet snake bites
To help prevent snake bites and an expensive anti-venom treatment, keep your dog on a lead and your cat indoors. Stay away from high grass and rocks where snakes like to rest, and remove piles of wood where they love to hide. Be ready with a list of local vets that stock anti-venom and follow steps to keep your home snake free.
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