As the weather warms up in Brisbane, so does the activity of one particular slithering resident: snakes. Living in the Loganholme area means you must be vigilant about the risk of snake bites for your dog, especially with our warmer weather.
Encounters with snakes can be frightening and potentially life-threatening for your pets. The team at Bryants Road Vet is trained to deal with snake bite emergencies and is here to help.
In this post, we’ll discuss the signs of a snake bite and the immediate you should take if you suspect your dog has been bitten.
Signs of snake bite
Our subtropical climate makes it an ideal habitat for snakes, and as temperatures rise, these reptiles become more active. Dogs are most often bitten around the head and limbs, and usually, the closer the bite is to the heart, the quicker the venom will be absorbed into the pet’s system and distributed around the body.
However, knowing the signs of a snake bite is essential, as you may not immediately recognise that your dog has been bitten – particularly if your dog has wandered off ahead of you on a walk.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Sudden weakness followed by collapse
- Trembling, shaking or twitching of the muscles and difficulty blinking
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Dilated pupils
- Difficulty breathing
- Paralysis
- Blood in urine
Sometimes, you may notice fang marks or swelling around the bite area. If you suspect a snake bite, time is of the essence.
Immediate action is crucial
If you see or suspect a snake has bitten your dog, it’s crucial to act quickly and calmly. The sooner your pet is treated, the better their chances are of survival.
- Restrict movement
Immobilise your dog and keep them as still and quiet as possible to slow down the spread of venom through their bloodstream.
- Identify the snake if possible
If it’s safe, try to identify the snake without putting yourself or your pet at risk. Knowing the species can aid in treatment. A photo of the snake or even a thorough description can be of great assistance.
- Do not suck the venom
Contrary to popular belief, attempting to suck out the venom with your mouth is not recommended and can worsen the situation.
- Apply a firm bandage to the bite site
Apply a firm bandage above, below, and over the site of the bite, as this helps to stop the venom from spreading to the heart. Avoid using a tourniquet or cutting the bite area, as this can lead to more harm than good.
Veterinary treatment for snake bite
The team at Bryants Road Vet is trained in handling snake bites and can help you in an emergency.
It’s important to seek veterinary attention if you think your pet has been bitten. Sometimes animals can return back to normal after initially collapsing from a snake bite. However, this recovery is only temporary, and they will then become very unwell quite quickly.
If you suspect a snake has bitten your dog, one of our veterinarians will perform a coagulation test to confirm if a snake bite has occurred. This test helps determine the severity of envenomation and will guide the treatment plan for your pet.
If the test confirms a snake bite, your dog will require antivenom, pain relief, and supportive care.
Bryant’s Road Vet is open Monday through to Saturday, and our team can help you immediately in an emergency. You can find us at 141 Bryants Road Loganholme.