We have some of the world’s most deadly snakes in Australia, and if your greyhound is bitten by one, a quick response is essential to saving their life. Know what to do ahead of time so if you’re ever in the unfortunate situation of dealing with a snake bite, you can take immediate action.
Steps to Take if Your Greyhound is Bitten by a Snake:
- Stay Calm
Firstly, try to stay calm. Our hounds can sense our panic, and we want them to stay as relaxed as possible. - Minimise Movement
Minimise your greyhound’s movement as much as possible. Carry your hound if possible; try to limit their walking as much as possible. - Pressure Bandage
If you know where the bite was, and it was on a limb, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage covering the bite and the entire limb. As stated on the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline, “the pressure bandage should not be applied too tight as to restrict blood flow, but at a similar tightness to what would be applied for a sprained ankle”.DO NOT apply a tourniquet, and do not waste time trying to find a bite site if you can’t do so quickly. - Take Note
If you saw the snake, take note of the species or any other characteristics you can remember so you can relay these to the vet. But don’t waste time trying to get a good look; if you are unsure, your vet will be able to use a venom-detection kit. - Get To The Vet
Get your hound to your closest vet as soon as possible. Don’t delay! A quick response can be the difference between life and death for your hound. - Call Ahead
It is also recommended to call them on your way. Your vet may not be equipped to deal with a snake bite and may recommend that you head straight to an emergency vet clinic.
If you see your greyhound bitten by a snake, the most important thing you can do is to seek veterinary help as soon as possible.
Signs Your Hound May Have Been Bitten by a Snake:
- Weakness in hind legs
- Pale gums
- Restlessness, shaking or twitching
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, bite site
- Panting or difficulty breathing
- Weakness in the hind legs
- Vomiting and / or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling / frothing
- Bloody urine
- Dilated pupils
- Paralysis
- Loss of consciousness
- Your hound might collapse and then appear to recover and act normally
Symptoms can start to show in a few minutes, however, some may take up to 24 hours to show.
What Else Should I be Aware of?
Yes! Living in Australia means we coexist with our slithery friends, and while we can’t always avoid encounters with them, we can do things to reduce the likelihood of an unfortunate incident.
- Don’t expect that snakes are only out in summer! Spring can be a particularly high-risk period when snakes are seeking sun, food and water. During autumn and winter, snakes will be less active as they go into a state known as brumation, but it’s not a time to be complacent.
- Walk your hound on a leash, keep them out of bushy areas and long grass. On your own property, keep grass low and remove rubbish piles. Don’t allow your hound to explore holes or dig under rocks.
- Have a first-aid kit with you, particularly if heading to a bushy area. For example, a kit like this from Pet Circle has snake pressure bandages included.
- Don’t try to catch or kill the snake – they are a protected species and should only be handled by professionals.
Most snakes will actively avoid danger if given the chance, but if they feel threatened, a bite can be deadly. At the end of the day, every snake bite should be treated as life-threatening, so please seek help for your hound as soon as possible.
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