Snake Safety Tips for Pets

During the warmer months in South East Queensland, snakes become more active – and that means an increased risk for our pets. With around 65% of snakes in Queensland being venomous, a single bite can be a life-threatening emergency for dogs and cats. It’s a sobering reality, but one that pet owners can prepare for.

Pets are naturally curious, and for many dogs in particular, the movement of a snake can trigger instinctive chasing or play behaviours. Unfortunately, this curiosity can have devastating consequences. Each year, our Community Vet Clinics see many snake bite cases, that require urgent veterinary care.

The good news is that awareness and preparation can make all the difference. In this article, our veterinary team shares practical snake safety tips, early warning signs to watch for, and what to do if you suspect your pet has encountered a snake – so you can help keep them safe during snake season.

Here’s how to keep your pets safe:

🐾  Keep the grass short in your yard and remove any weeds, wood piles, or rubbish.
Keep the area around your house free from food scraps.
Keep cats indoors or in a secure, snake-proof enclosure.
🐾  Keep dogs on a leash near long grass, leaf litter, water or rock piles.
🐾  Stick to trails and avoid bushland when walking your dog.

Signs of a snake bite in pets:

Snake bites can cause a wide range of symptoms in pets, depending on the type of snake and the individual animal. Common clinical signs may include:

🐾  Sudden weakness or collapse, sometimes followed by a brief recovery
🐾  Muscle twitching or shaking, and reduced blinking
🐾  Vomiting
🐾  Loss of bladder or bowel control
🐾  Dilated pupils
🐾  Paralysis
🐾  Rapid or laboured breathing
🐾  Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or bite site
🐾  Loss of appetite, particularly in cats
🐾  Dark or bloody urine

What to do if your pet is bitten by a snake:

If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, act immediately:

🐾 Stay calm and keep your pet as still and quiet as possible.
🐾 Seek veterinary care straight away — snake bites are a medical emergency.
🐾 Call your vet before you arrive so they can prepare treatment or refer you if antivenom is not available.
🐾 If you know where the bite occurred, apply a firm pressure bandage above, below and over the site to help slow the spread of venom.
🐾 If the bite is on the face or neck, remove your pet’s collar to allow for swelling.
🐾 Do not wash the wound or apply a tourniquet

If you think that your pet has been bitten by a snake, the best thing to do is remain calm and call your vet immediately. Time is of the essence snake bite treatment, so it is important to act quickly and get your pet to the vet as soon as possible.