Snake Bites & Your Pets

Snakes are currently active across the country, and we would like to remind our followers that all snake bites in Australia should be regarded as life-threatening. If your pet is bitten, it is vital that you keep them calm and as still as possible. Try to limit any movement (including walking) where possible and transport them to your nearest veterinary practice immediately, even if they look well. The sooner your pet is treated, the better their chances of survival.

Signs of a snake bite can include:

➖ Sudden weakness or collapse, which may be followed by transient improvement
➖ Vomiting
➖ Laboured breathing
➖ Paralysis, starting with the hind legs
➖ Loss of bladder and bowel control
➖ Blood in the urine

❌ DO NOT try to catch or kill the snake for ID or for any other purpose
❌ DO NOT apply a tourniquet
❌ DO NOT wash the bite site
❌ DO NOT cut, suck or apply any other treatments to the bite-site

If your dog or cat has been bitten or potentially bitten by a snake, immediate veterinary assessment is recommended in all cases. Whilst veterinary treatment of snakebite can be lifesaving, it is costly in many cases. Pet insurance provides peace of mind and protection if your pet is ever bitten. Our platinum sponsor Bow Wow Meow for Pets are currently offering two months free pet insurance in the first year of coverage for Animal Poison Helpline followers. Visit bowwowinsurance.com.au/poisons and enter AP368 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.