What to do if your dog is bitten by a snake
As a dog owner, you want to protect your four-legged friend and make sure they are always safe. However, with so many different kinds of snakes in Australia, an unlucky pup could easily have a run-in with one of the venomous varieties.
If this does happen, you need to know what to do next. Here’s what to do if your dog is bitten by a snake.
Symptoms of a snake bite in dogs
You may not always see a snake bite your dog, but even if you see a snake in the vicinity of your dog, it is worth taking them to the vet for a checkup. A dog may yelp when bitten, and if the bite is on their leg, they may limp. However, in some cases, you may need to search for more subtle signs. Look out for symptoms such as leg weakness, shaking or pacing and general restlessness. Your dog may also have dilated pupils or be drooling more than usual, or could even be panting a lot or struggling to breathe. In extreme cases, your dog could even collapse or lose consciousness.
First-aid tips if your dog is bitten by a snake
The most vital thing to remember is that you must get your dog to a vet as quickly as you possibly can. However, sometimes it may not be possible to get there immediately - if you live in a rural location or struggle to contact a vet. Check your pet’s head, legs and neck to see if you can locate the bite, but stay calm and keep your dog calm, too. You can also use a pressure immobilisation bandage on the affected area, but you do not need to clean it. Just keep your pet as still as possible to reduce the possible spread of venom.
What to do with the snake
If you see the snake bite your dog or you see it near your dog afterwards, take note of the colour and pattern on it. This could be important information for the vet when treating your dog’s injury. You should not, under any circumstances, try to catch the snake, or chase it away. You need to focus on your dog.
Get to a vet
As we have already said, the most important thing to do is to get your dog to a vet as soon as possible, as they will be able to administer anti-venom. While first aid is a great way to reduce the harm done, only a vet can properly treat a snake bite. When transporting your dog, try to carry them to the car if possible, and let the vet know you will be coming in. The good news is that the survival rate for pets who have been bitten by snakes is around 80 per cent - if they have been checked over by a professional.
Bushland is a common place for snakes to live. Make sure you’re extra careful walking your dog in these areas
Lowering the risk of a snake bite
There are some simple steps that you can take in order to lower the risk of your dog being bitten by a snake. You should keep the grass in your yard short and ensure there are no mice or rats around that might attract snakes, putting up snake-proof fences where possible. Do not walk your dogs in long grass when you are out with them, and keep them close to you, not letting them roam free in unknown areas.
If you want to have a reliable and experienced team on hand to help you with everything from checkups to unexpected emergencies, then get in touch with Doncaster Veterinary Hospital. We can treat snake bites and provide advice on these unexpected situations, so give us a call to see how we can take care of your pet.