Snake Bite Symptoms in dogs and cats

With the high temperatures in Far North Queensland we see an increase in the amount of pets brought in to the clinic due to snake bites.  It’s important to know what the snake bite symptoms are and what to do if your pet is bitten to ensure the best outcome for your pet. 

Even if you suspect your pet has been bitten but are not entirely sure, it is vital that they be checked by your vet to ensure they are treated as soon as possible if need be. 

There are many types of snakes here in Far North Queensland, ranging from venomous such as the Death Adder, Coastal Taipan, Eastern Brown and Red-bellied Black snakes to the non venomous including many types of python. You can find a listing of the types of snakes in our region at the Department of Environment website and it’s a great way to be able to identify any snakes that you have seen around your home.

If your pet has been bitten or you suspect they have been bitten please:

1. Keep your pet calm and try to stay calm yourself. Panic in you will be noticed by your pet and it is imperative that they remain as calm as possible after being bitten by a snake. Try to stay calm and take the following steps immediately to reduce the severity of the situation.
2. Apply a pressure bandage to the suspected bite site on your pet. Just as we do for humans, we need to apply pressure to the bite to reduce the impact of the venom travelling through the blood stream.
3. Seek veterinary attention IMMEDIATELY. Please do not hesitate or delay getting to your nearest vet. Even if you are unsure if your pet has come into contact with the snake, it’s better to get them checked as some animals can have delayed symptoms post envenomation.
4. Dont try identify or handle the snake yourself! If it is safe photo identification can be used or contact a professional snake catcher to identify the snake and remove it from your property.
5. Snake bite symptoms you may notice – this can be a combination of the following:
   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 urine.

Time is of the essence with treating snake bites so please don’t delay in seeking treatment. During normal clinic hours you can call us on 4045 5555 or for after hours treatment you can contact the Emergency Vet.