Essential Pet Guide for Summer Snake Season on the Gold Coast
Signs and symptoms of snake bites on dogs
The Gold Coast is home to at least 20 breeds of snakes. There are subtle differences between the symptoms and signs depending on the breed of snake, the main signs of a dog snake bite include:
- Collapse followed by apparent recovery
- Lethargy
- Muscle tremors, shaking and reduced eye blinking
- Dilated pupils
- Sudden onset of weakness/wobbliness (ataxia)
- Complete paralysis
- Inability to control bladder and bowels
- Irregular bleeding from the nose, bit site, mouth
- Discoloured, dark urine (often bloody)
Please call Bay Vets on (07) 5662 1234 if you have any questions or you suspect your pet may have been bitten.
If your pet has been bitten out of our opening hours – please contact Animal Emergency Service on (07) 5559 1599
This guide provides information on what to do if your dog is bitten by a snake, the signs and symptoms of snake bites, and is the ultimate guide to snake bites on dogs in Australia.
- What is a snake bite?
- What are the dangers of snake bites in dogs?
- What does a snake bite look like on a dog?
- What are the symptoms and signs of dog snake bites?
- How can I tell if my dog has been bitten by a snake?
- What do I do if my dog is bitten by a snake?
- How do I protect my dog from snake bites?
- How do I treat a snake bite on my dog?
- How will the vet treat my dog for a snake bite?
- How long does it take a snake bite to kill a dog?
- Stories about dogs who have been bitten by snakes.
What is a snake bite?
There are many species of snakes in the world, and the most venomous snakes are found right here in Australia. Snakes are unlikely to bite dogs, cats, and humans; however, if they are stepped on, attacked or provoked they may bite, piercing through fur and flesh to deliver often a fatal dose of toxin.
As can be seen by the diagram below, venom is stored in the venom gland. Poisonous snakes use their fangs to bite through their victims’ flesh, and venom travels through the primary and secondary venom ducts down through the venom canal where it is injected into their prey.
Some species of snakes are classified as non-venomous, meaning that other than mild symptoms and site wounds, they are not dangerous to dogs, cats, and humans. These bite wounds may also need attention at your local vet, and regardless of whether you are sure of which breed of snake has bitten your dog, it is always best to seek emergency vet treatment.
What are the dangers of snake bites on dogs?
- Snake bit sites can be difficult to identify on dogs
- Dogs may not show symptoms immediately after being bitten, but may have received a fatal dose of envenomation
- The longer the dog snake bit is left untreated, the more advanced the clinical signs and the lower the chance of survival
- The dangers of snake bites on dogs are high due to their natural hunting instincts
- The only way to identify a snake is to count the scales of the physical snake or perform a snake detection test in clinic
- Not all veterinary practices stock snake anti-venom, it is essential to ring ahead
- Snake venom can compromise the dog’s blood coagulation (clotting) and can cause them to bleed to death
- Snake bites can cause internal damage to kidneys, muscles, and the respiratory system
What does a snake bite look like on a dog?
Snake bites can be difficult to identify, as your dog may not appear to be in pain and the bite wound may be hidden underneath their fur coat. Because snakes have small, razor sharp fangs, the site of the wound may only have faint puncture marks (these could even look like a scratch). It is rare to find the bite site as there may not be a bruise, swelling, or redness, so if you suspect your dog may have been bitten by a snake, it is important to take note of the signs and symptoms of snake bites in dogs.
What are the symptoms and signs of dog snake bites?
If your dog is showing any symptoms or signs listed below, seek emergency vet treatment immediately.
- Collapse followed by apparent recovery
- Lethargy
- Muscle tremors, shaking, and reduced eye blinking
- Dilated pupils
- Sudden onset of weakness/wobbliness (ataxia)
- Complete paralysis
- Inability to control bladder and bowels
- Irregular bleeding from the nose, bite site, mouth
- Discoloured, dark urine (often bloody)
Video : SEE what complete paralysis looks like
A little known symptom of snake bites in dogs, includes an immediate collapsing event followed by apparent recovery and seeming normal. This is a sign that the dog has been given a lethal dose of the venom.
How can I tell if my dog has been bitten by a snake?
A dog’s reaction, signs or symptoms from being bitten by a snake can be varied and not appear clinically significant for up to 24 hours after the bite occurs. For this reason, it can be difficult to know if your dog has been the victim of a snake bite.
Even the most experienced emergency vet may be unable to tell that your dog has been bitten by a snake based on these symptoms alone, and will need to perform testing with a snake identification kit upon arrival.
Not all veterinary practices stock snake anti-venom, it is essential to ring ahead.
If you have witnessed your dog being bitten by a snake, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention – the longer your dog goes without treatment, the lower the rate of survival.
If you have seen your dog playing with a snake, and your dog collapses but then gets up immediately and appears to be fine – call your nearest veterinarian to check if they have snake anti-venom as it is likely your dog has been bitten.
Tony Harrison, a popular Gold Coast Snake catcher, has had his own personal experience – losing two of his beloved dogs to a brown snake. His top 5 tips on looking out for snake activity in your backyard include:
- Noisy birds: heightened bird activity can be associated with snakes
- Dogs barking: excited dogs can be a hint that a snake is present
- Cats stalking: be on the lookout for cats that are stalking ground prey, especially in long grass
- Pet birds: may be agitated in cages and be making a lot of noise
- Dog behaviour: dogs attracted to a particular place in the backyard or clawing at the ground – can indicated cane toads or snakes
Source: We acknowledge this content is from the Animal Emergency Services.
https://animalemergencyservice.com.au/blog/a-guide-to-snake-bites-on-dogs/
Free Stock photos by Vecteezy
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