Beware of snakes in warm weather

It’s getting warmer, so Snakes are starting to emerge.

When a snake feels threatened, it can inflict a lethal bite. Snakes prefer to avoid confrontations. It is easy for an inquisitive or playful dog or cat to get bitten. Dogs and cats are often bitten on their heads, necks, chests, and upper limbs.

Act quickly if your pet is bitten by a snake. Approximately 80% of snake bite victims survive if they receive medical attention immediately.

There are many factors that can influence your pet’s recovery, including the type of snake, how much venom was injected, and where the bite occurred.

Contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet right away if you see your pet with a snake or suspect that your pet has been bitten. Keeping your pet calm and immobile is important. Get them to the vet as soon as possible. Do not search for a bite. Cats and dogs can be difficult to find snake bites, meaning you could waste a lot of valuable time looking for it.

Here are some things to look out for;

Sudden weakness and collapse
Shaking or twitching of muscles
Unusual breathing
Vomiting
Loss of bowel control
Dilated pupils not responsive to light
Blood in the urine
ParalysisContact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. The sooner your pet is treated, the better their chances of survival.
Live snakes should never be killed or captured. You may be putting yourself and others at risk if you handle South African snakes.

Your veterinarian can run tests, including a snake bite detection kit, to determine the best treatment. Pick up the snake carefully with a shovel if it is dead. Snake venom remains active even after death. If possible, take the dead snake with you to the vet.

If you are walking your dog in bushland or near lake and beach vegetation, keep your dog on a short leash to prevent snake bites. Keep your lawn short and your dog away from other areas, such as rubble, where snakes may lurk. Keep your cat from wandering, especially in warmer months when snakes are most active.

If you have a snake on your property, keep your pets and family away