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Protect your K9 from snakes in time

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Canine Snake Avoidance

Not all dogs and snakes can get along like these 2 in the photo above. Every summer, the Snake Hunter has to console pet owners due the deaths from snake bites. Often it is the same case of a curious puppy smells something different and tries to find out what it is.

 

Other times, the dog tries to defend its owner's home but gets bitten on the face or nose. The snake then tries to run away and either escapes or is killed. Typically within 1 hour the dog is dead if left untreated. Most owners to get their dog to the vet in time for treatment however are left with an extremely expensive vet bill ($4000 - $7000) and their best friend's health is compromised for the next few months at least. Most dogs do not survive.

Protect your best friend

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Canine Snake Avoidance

Why do dogs get bitten

Not all dogs and snakes can get along like these 2 in the photo above. Every summer, the Snake Hunter has to console pet owners due the deaths from snake bites. Often it is the same case of a curious puppy smells something different and tries to find out what it is.

 

Other times, the dog tries to defend its owner's home but gets bitten on the face or nose. The snake then tries to run away and either escapes or is killed. Typically within 1 hour the dog is dead if left untreated. Most owners to get their dog to the vet in time for treatment however are left with an extremely expensive vet bill ($4000 - $7000) and their best friend's health is compromised for the next few months at least. Most dogs do not survive.

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Canine Snake Avoidance

Signs and Symptoms of a Snake Bite

Your dog may exhibit the following signs if bitten by a snake

  • Weakness followed by collapse

  • Shaking or Twitching

  • Dilated Pupils or Difficulty Blinking

  • Vomiting

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control.

  • Blood in urine.

  • Paralysis.

 

NOTE:

There may be other signs and this is not an exhaustive list. If in doubt, take your dog to a vet to get checked.

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Canine Snake Avoidance

If you Suspect a snake bite

If you think your dog has been bitten by a snake:

  • Keep calm yourself and control your own emotions

  • Keep your dog calm as possible and reduce stimulus around him.

  • Remove people who will make the situation worse.

  • Do NOT wash the wound.

  • NEVER try to catch or kill the snake yourself.

  • CALL SNAKE HUNTERS on 0403 875 409 to catch and ID the snake for you.

  • Take your dog to the Vet ASAP. (The quicker you do this, the more chance of survaival).

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What Happens at the Vet?

  • Tell reception you think your dog was bitten by a snake. This will be treated as an emergency and will take priority.

  • The vet will conduct and examination of your dog. They are likely shave your dog in the affected area.

  • Diagnostic tests may be conducted by the veterinarian.

  • If the bite is confirmed, treatment usually consists of administration of intravenous fluids and anti venom. Some dogs require multiple vials of anti venom.

  • Other care may include oxygen supplementation, artificial ventilation, antibiotics and more depending upon symptoms.

  • Recovery can take up to 48 hours or longer depending upon the effects of the bite.

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Other Steps to Take

  • Train your dog, and train him/her very well.

  • When going for a walk, if your dog is properly obedience trained, you will be able to recall your dog when they go too far away from you

  • If your dog has good recall, you can call him away from a snake.

  • When going for a walk, stay on the path and away from the edges.

  • If your dog smells something and finds curiosity in it, pay attention to what your dog is doing.

  • Do NOT let your dog play with dead snakes.

  • Teach your dog not to go near snakes/lizards/reptiles.

  • Keep your dog on a lead at all times when walking. Make this a short lead so you have full control of your dog.

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