Snake threat for our pets
TASMANIA’S pet owners have been warned to watch out for snakes as the weather warms and to be ready to administer first aid until a vet is reached.
“As the weather warms up, it is not uncommon for our favourite four- legged friends to cross paths with a snake,” RSPCA Tasmania CEO Jan Davis said. “Even city dogs and cats are at risk.”
“Pet owners must be careful to protect their pets from snake bites and be aware of the warning signs in case their animal is bitten.”
Dogs are inquisitive so in the warmer months need to be kept on a leash if exercising in bushland ( particularly near water) or near the beach. Cats, on the other hand, are natural hunters and will stalk anything that moves.
“If you live in the outer suburbs or semirural areas, keep your backyard clear of long grass, and remove any piles of rubbish,” Ms Davis said.
“Better still, keep your cat inside.” If your pet is bitten, you need to get to veterinary help fast.
Animals can die within 25 minutes of a lethal bite. Some will die in the car on the way to the vet or soon after arrival at the clinic.
“The chances of recovery are 80 per cent greater if your pet is treated early with some pets making a recovery within 48 hours. Pets that are left untreated have a much lower survival rate,” Ms Davis said.
If your vet is a long way away, you may need to apply first aid.
The RSPCA recommends keeping a pet calm and quiet and applying a pressure bandage – a firm bandage placed over and around the bite site – to slow the venom spread to the heart. Do not wash the wound or apply a tourniquet.
If the snake can be identified, tell the vet – but don’t try to catch or kill it.
Snakes can still bite hours after dying and, in any case, all Australian snakes are protected, so take a photo instead.
If the snake can be identified, the vet can administer antivenom.