Snake Safety

October 2024

With the warmer weather approaching, the risk of encountering snakes on our walks becomes a real concern for pet owners. Although we've had plenty of rain recently and no snake sightings yet, we're taking precautions early to keep your furry friends safe. As the weather warms up we're transitioning our off-lead walks to ovals and other secure, open spaces, minimizing the chances of running into any slithery strangers.

While no area is entirely risk-free, we're doing everything we can to ensure your pups can still enjoy plenty of fun and freedom in safer, well-monitored spots.

Do you know the potential signs and symptoms of snake bites? A 2021 study in Queensland suggested that most snake bites occurred in private backyards, and often without the owner witnessing the incident. Puncture wounds can be hard to spot on fur, so it is important to be aware of other indicators.

Quick response, with prompt veterinarian care and the administration of anti-venom can increase survival rates significantly.

A range of clinical signs include the following ​:

• Sudden weakness followed by collapse, this may be followed by apparent recovery

• Shaking or twitching of the muscles and reduced blinking of the eyes

• Vomiting

• Loss of bladder and bowel control

• Dilated pupils

• Paralysis

• Difficulty breathing and/or fast breathing

• Bleeding from the animal’s nose, mouth and/or site of the snake bite

• Not eating (especially in cats)

• Dark coloured urine (often bloody).