05/10/2024
🐍Some great info from Pet Perspective on how to prevent danger noodle run ins!🐍
It's that time of year when snakes are more active in Australia. The best way to avoid pets getting bitten is prevention.
- Keep grass short and gardens tidy.
- Block holes that snakes may use to access your home.
- Use rat (and snake) -proof chicken sheds and compost bins.
- Use a snake proof house-yard or dog-run outdoors on rural properties, or keep pets indoors when you can't supervise.
If you walk your dog off leash or on longlines through the bush, or areas where snakes are likely to be present, then you may consider 'Snake avoidance training'. This can be taught using positive reinforcement for a behaviour like "When you see a snake, return to me and nudge my leg with your nose". There is no need to use shock, force or fear.
Regardless of what training and prevention program you put in place, snake bites can still happen. Know the signs of snake envenomation (dogs may show one or more of these signs):
- Sudden weakness followed by collapse (even if the pet then seems to recover)
- Shaking or twitching of the muscles
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Blood in the urine
- Weakness or paralysis
If you see any of these signs, bring your pet into your veterinary clinic immediately.
If you find your pet with a snake and the pet may have been bitten, then have them checked by the vet just in case. Don't try to capture or kill the snake.
