Watch out for snakes when walking your dog, even if you’ve trod the same path many times. With the weather warming, snakes will be coming out of hibernation and unfortunately, most dogs don’t understand that snakes can be deadly.
Dogs that encounter a snake will either attack it or, at the very least, try to sniff it or poke their nose down its hole. Snakes strike defensively so if you keep your dog on a lead while walking along trails or in the mountains, and keep a look out, you and your dog should be fine. Watch out for snakes like puff adders on paths as they move slowly and you or you dog could tramp on them.
If your dog is allowed to run free in snake territory, you may not even realise he has been bitten until symptoms begin to show up later. Then it may be too late to save him. Cats are seldom bitten as they have an innate understanding of the danger.
If your dog is bitten, the symptoms and severity of the bite depend on a wide range of factors: non-venomous or a venomous snake; species; age and size of the dog, and where the bite occurred (bites closer to the heart are more serious as the venom will be pumped through the body rapidly). In dogs, bites occur most often on the limbs or muzzle. Adrenalin speeds up metabolism which causes the venom to spread faster. Keep your dog calm.
Watch out for snakes: symptoms of a bite
Drooling
Rapid (or shallow) breathing
Dilated pupils
Pale gums
Vomiting
Incontinence
Shaking
Weakness
Collapse, and in the later stages, paralysis
What NOT to do in the event of a snake bite
Try to suck out the poison
Wash the wound
Use a tourniquet
Chase and kill the snake (you’re only putting yourself in danger)
What TO do in the event of a snake bite
• Try to identify the snake by taking note of its size, shape of the head and colour patterns. Take a photo if possible. Your vet will need as much information about the snake as possible. In most cases, anti-venom will need to be given but because anti-venom is specific to each type of venom, it’s important the vet knows what snake bit your dog.
• Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your dog from further harm, including being bitten by a stressed-out dog.
• Look for fang marks and wrap a clean bandage on the affected limb snugly (but not too tight). This will reduce the amount of venom from entering the bloodstream.
• Try and keep the affected area lower than the heart and get to the nearest vet clinic as soon as possible.
• Unfortunately not all animal hospitals will stock anti-venom as it expires quickly. If you can, call ahead and if your vet doesn’t have stock, they can refer you to the nearest animal medical centre that stocks it.
Watch out for snakes: prevention
- If you are in a known snake habitat, keep your dog on a lead and a keep a sharp look out
- Stay on marked trails and paths where it’s easier to spot snakes.
- Don’t let your dog poke his nose in holes or under logs.
- If your dog is particularly curious, pawing at something, call him (or pull him) away. Rather be safe than sorry!
- If you spot a snake, stop moving. If you and your dog are standing still, it won’t see you as a threat and will more than likely glide away.
- If it is cornered, back away slowly, giving it an escape route.
Always be vigilant on your walks, especially if you are walking in a snake’s natural habitat.
