A common symptom of snake bites in dogs is a sudden collapse, followed by getting back up and moving around. Pet owners have witnessed this in places like dog parks or in their backyard.
More severe symptoms follow the initial collapsing.
Symptoms can include:
- Muscle tremors and shaking
- Wobbly in the legs
- Lethargy
- Bleeding out of the nose, mouth, or bite site
- Dark urine
- Complete paralysis
We have slowly crept into the “snake season” and are seeing cases more frequently. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and seek veterinary help as soon as possible.
If you suspect a snake bite, call us immediately for further advise, and if possible, collect a urine sample before coming in.
We can diagnose a suspected snake bite in dogs and cats in a couple of ways.
- We can run a snake profile blood screening
- We can run a snake venom detection test using blood or urine
The snake venom detection test can diagnose a snake bite for five types of snakes. These include:
- Tiger Snake
- Brown Snake
- Black Snake
- Death Adder
- Taipan
We always keep tiger-brown snake antivenom on hand. This means we can start treatment immediately for the best possible outcome.
Recovery from a snake bite, depending on the snake, can take several days in hospital. Unfortunately, if treated too late, the prognosis can be poor.
The best thing to do during snake season is to prevent an occurrence from happening as best as possible. Avoid walking your dog in long grass or letting them run off into the shrubs. Look out for any symptoms and seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
