In this episode, Aria and Dr. Glenn discuss what to do if your dog is bitten by a snake — one of the most urgent and frightening pet emergencies in Australia. Dr. Glenn draws from extensive real-life experience to explain how to recognise the signs of snake envenomation, what first aid steps to take, and why immediate veterinary care is critical. The episode also covers treatment options, prevention strategies, and practical tips for living safely in snake-prone areas.
Listener Highlights
- If you suspect a snake bite, go to the vet immediately — don’t delay or handle the snake.
- Australia’s common venomous snakes (browns, red-bellied blacks, taipans, tigers) can cause paralysis, bleeding disorders, and organ damage.
- Symptoms: sudden collapse, trembling, vomiting, paralysis, bleeding, or breathing difficulties — sometimes delayed by hours.
- Testing includes clotting times, urine samples, and venom detection kits; absence of visible bite marks doesn’t rule it out.
- Treatment: antivenin, IV fluids, oxygen support, and sometimes intensive care for paralysis or organ complications.
- Vitamin C injections are not a substitute for veterinary treatment and are not proven to help.
- Prevention: keep yards clear of debris, remove snake food sources (rodents, chooks), supervise dogs outdoors, and practise reliable recall commands.
- Snake repellent devices do not work — focus instead on habitat management and training.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00 – 00:35 | Introduction and emergency advice: go straight to the vet if a snake bite is suspected. |
| 01:00 – 02:33 | Why snake bites are so common in Australia; Dr. Glenn’s personal experiences with snakebite cases. |
| 02:34 – 05:24 | Types of snakes, toxins (neurotoxic, bleeding, organ damage), and how bites affect dogs differently. |
| 05:24 – 06:55 | Symptoms: collapse, paralysis, delayed reaction, internal bleeding; why early veterinary care matters. |
| 06:55 – 09:32 | Diagnosis and testing: venom detection kits, blood/urine tests, and how vets identify snake envenomation. |
| 09:32 – 10:51 | First aid: keep the dog calm, limit movement, get to the vet quickly; why bandaging is rarely effective. |
| 10:52 – 12:33 | Why some dogs hunt snakes, and how to manage environments that attract snakes. |
| 12:35 – 14:27 | Treatment at the clinic: antivenin, IV fluids, cardiac monitoring, and managing shock or paralysis. |
| 14:28 – 15:30 | Vitamin C myths: why it doesn’t cure snakebite and should not replace professional treatment. |
| 16:03 – 18:24 | Snakebite prevention: what actually works, and the myth of ultrasonic snake repellents. |
| 18:24 – 19:39 | Environmental and yard management: remove debris, reduce rodent food sources, limit hiding places. |
| 19:39 – 20:26 | Snake aversion training: ethical concerns and why recall training is a safer approach. |
| 20:46 – 21:26 | Final takeaways: prevention, early intervention, and reassurance that most dogs recover with prompt vet care. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet.