Snakes pose danger for pets

By Chloe Newnham

Jan 25, 2024

On high alert: Ensure your pets receive prompt veterinary care if bitten by a snake. Photo by AAP

With plenty of snakes being spotted in and around Kyabram, it’s extra important to keep an eye on your pets.

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In the case of a pet being bitten, prompt veterinary assistance is vital for the animal to make a full recovery.

Local cat Leo was bitten by a snake, but thanks to owner Julie Newnham’s quick thinking, Leo got the help he needed.

“He just wasn’t acting like his normal self,” Mrs Newnham said.

“He just kept flopping like a bunny, and he wouldn’t walk anywhere.

“Our dog became protective of him.”

Symptoms of a snake bite include:

• sudden weakness followed by collapse;

• shaking or twitching of the muscles and difficulty blinking;

• vomiting;

• loss of bladder and bowel control;

• dilated pupils;

• paralysis;

• blood in the urine; and

• trembling and weakness in the back legs or an inability to rise.

If you suspect your pet has been bitten, call your vet.

“Recovery is good if we get the anti-venom in quickly,” Kyabram vet David Pullen said.

“We test for blood clotting, which takes 10 to 15 minutes.”

Any extra information you can provide can often prove helpful.

“Knowing the type of snake is handy,” Dr Pullen said. “It’s usually tiger or brown.”

This summer, The Kyabram Veterinary Clinic has seen an increase in snake bites; in some cases, pets have died.

With pets being bitten on farms and in towns, vets are urging owners to notice the signs of snake bites and get their pets to them as quickly as possible.

“If they are acting strange, bring them in straight away,” Dr Pullen said.

Symptoms of snake bites can become apparent in minutes, but sometimes there are no signs until more than 24 hours after the bite.

“Leo thankfully made a full recovery; however, he did choose a terrible time as my youngest daughter had just started her Year 12 exams,” Mrs Newnham said.

“He still goes on adventures outside.”