Snake Bites and Pets

The thought of your beloved pet being bitten by a snake is understandably unsettling, but being well-informed and prepared can be a life-saving measure. Pets cannot directly communicate their discomfort or symptoms, so it’s crucial for pet owners to stay vigilant and observe any changes in behaviour.

Recognising the signs of a snake bite can be difficult, as symptoms may not be immediately apparent and can develop up to 24 hours after the incident. Snake bites can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal, making it essential to be aware of the key symptoms and act quickly if you suspect your pet has been bitten.

Symptoms of a snake bite in pets include;

• Swelling, irritation or bleeding at the bite site
• Vomiting
• Shaking, trembling or muscle twitches
• Dilated pupils
• Weakness and/or collapse
• Drooling
• Pale gums
• Blood in the urine
• Panting or rapid breathing
• Paralysis

The severity or presence of certain symptoms will vary depending on the type of snake that has bitten the animal and the amount of venom that has been injected.

What to do if your pet is bitten by a snake

If your pet is bitten by a snake follow the following steps;

• Stay calm
• Do not try to find, catch or kill the snake; this could lead to you getting bitten
• Keep them as still as possible and carry them to the car
• If they have been bitten on a limb apply a pressure bandage to the limb (not too tight that you cut off circulation)
• Get them to your closest vet clinic for assessment

If your pet has been bitten by a snake or even if you suspect that it is a possibility please get them to a veterinarian immediately. Even if there are no symptoms presenting consult your vet for advice as symptoms can develop very quickly and death can occur. The quicker an animal is treated by a vet after a snake bite the better the prognosis.

Veterinary treatment

Once the animal reaches the vet clinic or animal hospital they will be quickly assessed and examined. Initial treatment may include a snake bite identification kit, blood tests, urine tests, oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids and administration of medication. Treatment and recovery from a snakebite can take one day or up to a week in a veterinary clinic, followed by a few weeks of being kept calm with reduced activity. Treatment with anti-venom and supportive therapies is generally very successful in saving a pets life with most pets making a full recovery.

More information

For more information visit the myPET Podcast: Snake Bites In Dogs. In this episode where vetnpet DIRECT’s Aria and veterinarian Dr Glenn talk about the symptoms of a snake bite in dogs and what you can do to save your furry friend’s life. They also discuss how a vet will determine if they have been bitten and the life saving treatment options they can administer. Although preventing your dog from being bitten is not always possible Dr Glenn and Aria give you some tips that might help in preventing your dog from falling victim to a snake bite.