14/11/2025
🚨Snake Season Safety Alert 🐶🐱
With the warmer weather approaching, unfortunately snakes are on the move. This means our curious pets are at a higher risk of unexpected encounters with our slithery friends.🐍
If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake:
✅Keep your pet calm and confined
✅Call the clinic immediately to let us know you’re on your way.
Having a team ready and waiting can make all the difference and every minute counts.🕓
Snake bites are a true emergency, but please travel safely.🚦
🐶Dogs are far more vulnerable to snake bites than cats.
Dogs tend to receive larger doses of venom and are more prone to the effects. This means their condition can deteriorate rapidly, sometimes within minutes. If you suspect your dog has been bitten, don’t wait to see if they improve. Keep them as calm and still as possible, confine them safely, and head straight to your vet. Acting fast can truly save their life.🚗💨
🐈Cats are often able to survive longer than dogs after a snake bite because they tend to stay still when struck, which slows the spread of venom through their body. They also are slightly less prone to the effects of some snake venoms, but this doesn’t mean they’re safe.🚫
Symptoms in cats can appear more slowly, which can make bites harder to notice until it’s almost too late. These symptoms can take up to two days to appear so even if your cat seems fine, seek veterinary care immediately. Early treatment gives them the best chance of a full recovery.🏥🩺
⚠️ Possible signs of snake bite:
- Sudden weakness or collapse (sometimes followed by a short recovery)
- Vomiting
- Laboured breathing
- Paralysis, starting in the hind legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Muscle twitching or shaking
- Blood in the urine
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Do not try to catch or kill the snake
- Do not apply a tourniquet
- Do not wash, cut, or suck the bite site
- Do not attempt home treatments
Stay alert, keep your pets close, and give us a call if you’re ever unsure. We’re here to help keep your pets safe this snake season. 🩺💕