SNAKE SEASON WARNING: THE SIGNS EVERY DOG AND CAT OWNER NEEDS TO KNOW
Snake season is in full swing in parts of NSW, and vets are urging dog and cat owners to learn the warning signs now, before an emergency strikes.
In an ABC News report on November 6, a Bathurst snake catcher said she had caught more eastern brown snakes than in previous seasons, including larger ones.
Stefanie Earl, from Wild Woofers Snake Catching, linked the busy season to a warm winter and dry conditions.
The warning came as a family near Borenore, in the state's Central West, shared the heartbreak of losing their German pointer, Gussy, after a suspected eastern brown snake bite in September.
Why snake season is so risky for pets
Dogs are curious, and many will chase, sniff or even attack a snake, while cats are natural hunters.
As the weather warms, snakes become more active, and our pets are often the first to find them in long grass, woodpiles, sheds or along creek beds.
Gussy had reportedly mauled the snake before he became ill.
Ms Earl's busy season is a timely reminder to stay alert wherever you walk your dog or let your cat roam.
Orange Veterinary Hospital vet Dr Caitlin Henning told the ABC that getting treatment quickly is critical, saying: "It can be a matter of minutes."
Snake bite signs to watch for
Symptoms vary depending on the snake, and they are not always obvious straight away.
A key sign is sudden weakness, wobbliness or collapse.
Dr Henning warned that a pet that seems to recover after collapsing may still be in serious danger, as a second collapse often follows.
Other signs include drooling, vomiting, dilated pupils, muscle twitching or shaking, and changes in gum colour.
The RSPCA Knowledgebase also lists difficulty breathing, paralysis, bleeding from the nose, mouth or bite site, and dark or bloody urine.
In cats, going off their food can be a sign.
The University of Melbourne's U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital adds that some signs, such as trouble swallowing, poor coordination and lethargy, may not appear for hours.
What to do if you suspect a snake bite
Treat it as an emergency, even if your pet seems fine.
Keep your pet as calm and still as possible, and carry them if you can.
Call your nearest vet on the way so the team can prepare, and tell reception you suspect a snake bite.
Do not try to catch, kill or identify the snake, as this wastes precious time and puts you at risk, and snakes are protected.
Dr Henning explained that a polyvalent antivenom given at a vet clinic treats most brown and black snake species, so you do not need to know exactly which snake it was.
If it is safe, the RSPCA says a photo taken from a distance can help your vet.
Do not wash the wound, apply a tourniquet or give your pet anything by mouth.
Simple ways to prepare for snake season
Keep grass short and clear away woodpiles, rubbish and clutter where snakes like to shelter.
Walk dogs on a lead in bushland, near water and in long grass, and stick to clear paths.
Consider keeping cats indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure, which also protects local wildlife.
Save your local vet's number and the nearest after-hours emergency clinic in your phone now, so you are not searching in a panic.
Practise a reliable recall or leave it command with your dog, so you can call them away quickly if they spot something moving in the grass.
Learn which venomous snakes live in your area and in places you visit with your pets.
Finally, think about pet insurance, as both the RSPCA and U-Vet note that snake bite treatment can be expensive.
With a little preparation, you and your furry family can enjoy the warmer months safely.
