
08/09/2025
SNAKES ARE OUT AND ABOUT
Recently we have experienced a high number of Snake Bite cases! Please make yourself familiar with the signs and symptoms so that you have the best chance of saving your pet.
SYPTOMS may include;
Drooling, defecating, shaking, panting, dilated pupils, collapsed (instantly getting back up like nothing happened).
You will rarely find a bite site but sometimes you may find swelling in the area that they have been bitten.
GETTING HERE
Please call us to let us know you’re on your way. This helps us be prepared for your arrival. Give us as much information as possible e.g. Name, Phone No., Animal name/weight, description of snake if poss.
If the snake is dead bring it with you! or take photos (head, underbelly, under tail end/anus area). This is to help us identify the snake and treat with the correct anti-venin.
Keep your pet as immobile as possible (don’t make them walk, pick them up!!!)
DRIVE SAFELY!!!
TREATMENT can be very expensive! Our Vets will start with taking some blood to check if there has been any muscle breakdown or haemolysis (blood in the serum). Snake anti-venin is not cheap and quite often your pet will require more than one dose Your pet will be placed on fluids and could spend anywhere from one night to a week in hospital under intensive care.
AFTERCARE You will need to keep your pet quiet for 2-4 WEEKS. Boisterous activities such as jumping and playing can cause bruising and bleeding. Even running can cause bleeding into airways and lungs. Some animals will be quiet or lethargic for a week or so. However, it is still important to keep them quiet for a few more weeks even when they start to feel better and have more energy. This prevents further damage to organs and allows for a quicker recovery.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES;
Pet Insurance – most will pay up to 80% of the total cost of treatment
Snake Repellers – purchased from most hardware stores or online (we have mixed feedback on these)
Keep your grass short and yards tidy and free from clutter (don’t give snakes anywhere to hide)
Empty unnecessary water dishes as this also attracts snakes. They need water to shed their skin!
GUARD ANIMALS (besides your dog) some pets are known to frighten snakes away including; Guinea Fowl, Donkeys, Alpaca’s and Llama’s