More than 6,000 animals are bitten by snakes in Australia each year and around 80 per cent of pets survive snakebites if treated quickly. The warmer weather and recent flooding events have greatly increased the likelihood of snake bites, with vets already reporting a significant increase in case numbers. Owners are urged to constantly be aware of the lurking dangers of snakes around the household and backyard.

Follow Dr Mark’s snake safe tips to avoid your family pet being one of the thousands of Australian pets to be treated for a venomous snake bite this year.

1. Be Prepared

Pet owners can try to prevent snake bites in the first place by tidying up backyards, which includes removing rubbish and wood heaps. Trim back any grass that may look overgrown to avoid hiding spots for snakes.

2. Safe Walking

Avoid walking pets in areas that snakes might inhabit such as through long grass. Keep your eyes on the tracks at all times to be sure not to miss any snakes that may be laying in front.

3. Snake Smart

Be aware of the snakes that may be found in your area. Brown snakes are the most common cause of snake bites and snake bite deaths in both animals and humans, followed by tiger snakes and black snakes.

4. Stay Calm

If you think your pet has been bitten by a snake you should keep your pet calm and quiet and take it to a vet immediately.

5. Common Bite Areas

Pets are most often bitten around the head and limbs. Be sure to check these areas for bite marks if you have any suspicions that your pet may have been bitten.

6. Spot The Signs

Possible signs of a snake bite can include shaking or shivering, lethargy, excessive drooling, dilated pupils, vomiting and diarrhoea. If your pet begins to display these actions be sure to take them to a vet clinic as soon as possible.

7. Take Action

In remote areas where immediate veterinary help is difficult, owners can apply first aid measures such as a firm bandage over and around the bite site to help slow the venom spreading to the heart. Be sure to never apply a tourniquet, wash or cut the wound site.

8. Carry Your Pet

If your pet is bitten you should carry them rather than let them walk to avoid speeding up the spread of the venom.

9. Act Fast

The sooner your pet is taken to a vet the greater the chance of keeping it alive with fewer post treatment complications. Antivenom, together with intravenous fluids, is the prime treatment for snake bites in pets and can cost around $1,000 to administer.

10. Avoid The Worst Case Scenario

The worst case scenario is dogs that are bitten multiple times can begin vomiting in 5-30 minutes, be paralysed in 2-4 hours and can die 2-5 hours after being bitten. Take all precautions to avoid any tragedies occurring.

It is extremely important for all pet owners to take these tips into consideration to avoid their beloved pets facing a life threatening situation.

Everyone at VetShopAustralia would like to wish you and your pet a happy snake free year!