Snake bite season is here!
Snake bite season is here. While it is has been a cooler start to the summer we still have to be careful as our pets (often seeing one for the first time) like to play with or even intimidate snakes in some cases. We don’t often see snakes in our Bayside area, but occasionally they do occur, and often are brought in on visiting trucks and vehicles from rural areas. Our local 24 hour centre has already seen one patient this season that had been bitten by a snake. Luckily no death resulted, however the cost for treating a pet after snake bite can start at close to $3,000.00
Snakes tend to favour areas near fresh water such as dams and creeks. Keep your dog on a lead if going into bush areas. If you see your pet bitten by a snake, take them to the vet immediately, keeping them still on the way, with the bitten area “lower” than your pet’s heart.
If you are not sure if your pet has been bitten by a snake, common symptoms include; vomiting, bleeding, weakness/staggering and fast breathing, collapse and death.
Timely treatment with anti-venom increases the chance of survival for both dogs and cats.