If you follow local community pages, you may have noticed that snake sightings are becoming an almost daily occurrence across the Penrith region.
Brown snakes are regularly being reported along the River Walk and around the lagoons in Jordan Springs, serving as a timely reminder that snake season is well and truly here.
As temperatures rise, snakes become more active as they search for food and suitable places to shelter. For pet owners, this means taking extra care when walking dogs or allowing pets outdoors. Snakes generally prefer to avoid people and animals, but our pets don’t always give them the opportunity to slither away.
Curious dogs may chase or investigate a snake, while cats can come across them while exploring or hunting. What starts as curiosity or play can quickly become a life-threatening encounter.
In the Penrith region, eastern brown snakes and red-bellied black snakes are among the venomous species pet owners may encounter. Their venom affects animals in different ways. Brown snake bites can cause weakness, trembling, collapse and problems with the nervous system, while red-bellied black snake venom can damage red blood cells and may result in anaemia, weakness and dark-coloured urine. However, symptoms can vary and a bite from either species can be fatal without prompt treatment.
Knowing the warning signs is important. A snake-bitten pet may develop dilated pupils, trembling, drooling, vomiting, pale gums, weakness or sudden collapse. Some animals may initially appear to recover after collapsing, only to become seriously unwell several hours later. This apparent improvement should never be taken as a sign that everything is fine.
If you believe your pet has encountered a snake, don’t wait for symptoms to develop. Seek veterinary attention immediately. Keep your pet as quiet and still as possible and minimise movement, as activity can encourage venom to spread through the body.
Veterinary treatment may include initial blood testing followed by antivenom, intravenous fluids, oxygen or other supportive care, together with close monitoring in hospital. When the type of snake is unknown, treatment may involve using a combination of antivenoms. Treatment can be costly and, even with intensive veterinary care, complications such as kidney damage and other serious conditions can occur.
Prevention is also important. Keep grass and vegetation around your property maintained, remove potential hiding places where possible, and supervise pets when they are outside. Take particular care around long grass, bushland, waterways, lagoons and areas where snakes have recently been reported.
If your pet has chased, caught or played with a snake – even if you cannot see an obvious bite and your pet seems perfectly normal – treat it as an emergency and contact your veterinarian immediately.
For information or emergency assistance, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.