With some summer weather finally upon us, we are now seeing an increase in dogs and cats being admitted for treatment following a snake bite.
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Snake bites can cause a variety of signs such as anxiety, vocalising or yelping, drooling, vomiting, sudden collapse (pets may appear to recover, but may still have received a lethal bite), shaking, unsteady gait, weakness, dilated pupils and paralysis.
Horses are also susceptible to snake bites and can show anxiety, shaking, pawing at the ground, weakness and paralysis. It can sometimes look like colic.
The prognosis for a bitten animal depends on many factors like the size and type of snake, the amount of venom delivered, the size of your dog or cat and the time since being bitten. With an early diagnosis, antivenom and intensive care, most cases will survive and hopefully be back to normal in a few weeks.
It is often impossible to prevent snakes from entering your yard, although there are several ways to reduce the likelihood of an unwanted visitor. Ideally you should remove all piles of rubbish, timber or anything on the ground that they could take up residence in, including water sources. Try to keep your lawn cut short to ensure you can see any snakes and only let your pet out when you are supervising them. It is also a great idea to remove or prevent any potential food sources, such as rodents.
If you think your pet has been bitten by a snake, it is an emergency, and you should seek veterinary help as soon as possible. The earlier treatment is given, the more likely it will be successful.
