The season is upon us again – snake season that is.
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Did you know, it is estimated that around 60,000 dogs are bitten by snakes each year? That’s not to mention the cats that are bitten and those pets that just don’t make it to see the vet in time.
If your pet is bitten by a snake, there is treatment that we can administer, but time is of the essence in these cases. If you suspect that your pet has been bitten, you should call us immediately (so that we can be prepared for your arrival) before you come in to see us.
Some signs to look out for in relation to snake bites can include; sudden weakness, collapse or paralysis, vomiting, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty breathing, lethargic, pale gum colour, and blood in urine (particularly with black snakes).
There are several factors that can contribute to the severity of a snake bite, which include; size of your pet, size of the snake, when the snake had its last meal, number of bites received, location of bite and time since bite.
Dogs tend to show signs more quickly than cats do, therefore they recover more quickly if treatment is administered in a timely manner. This treatment includes the anti-venom, anti-inflammatories and intravenous fluids. Pets are usually in hospital for a couple of days and although they require rest for a few more days, there are generally no long lasting effects.
It is important that you do not try and capture or interact with the snake; pets are not the only ones that can be severely affected by snake bites! When outside be on the lookout for snakes and be safe!