Snake Bites in Pets: Immediate steps to take
Snake bites in pets are a real danger in Perth, especially during warmer months. If your dog or cat is bitten, it can become life-threatening fast. Rushing to a 24 hour Vet in Perth and knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover what Perth pet owners need to know about snake bites and how to act quickly.
Common Snakes in Perth and Their Risks
Western Australia is home to several venomous snakes. In Perth, the most common threats to pets are:
Dugite: Found in urban areas and bushland. Fast-moving and highly venomous.
Tiger Snake: Often near water sources. Recognisable by its banded appearance.
Gwardar (Western Brown Snake): Widespread in regional areas and dangerous.
These snakes are not aggressive by nature, but curious pets may approach them. A defensive strike from a snake can deliver enough venom to kill a cat or dog in a short time.
How Snake Bites Affect Pets
Venom can attack the nervous system, cause internal bleeding, and lead to organ failure. Symptoms may appear quickly or take hours to show. Every bite is serious and needs immediate veterinary attention.
Look out for:
Sudden weakness or collapse
Vomiting
Trembling or twitching
Dilated pupils
Bleeding from the bite site
Difficulty breathing
Pale gums
If you see any of these symptoms and suspect a bite, treat it as an emergency.
First Aid for Snake Bites in Pets
Here’s what to do immediately:
1. Stay Calm and Keep Your Pet Still
Movement speeds up the spread of venom. Carry your pet if possible, and stop them from walking around. Comfort your pet and stay calm yourself.
2. Do Not Try to Catch the Snake
Identifying the snake can help later, but don’t risk another bite. Focus on getting your pet to a 24 hour vet in Perth, not on catching the snake.
3. Apply a Pressure Bandage (Dogs Only)
If the bite is on a limb and your dog is calm, you can use a firm pressure bandage. Start at the toes and wrap upwards. This slows venom spread but doesn’t replace vet care. Never apply a tourniquet.
4. Call Ahead to an Emergency Vet
Phone your nearest emergency vet clinic while on the way. Tell them you’re coming with a suspected snake bite. This gives the team time to prepare anti-venom and support.
5. Transport to an Emergency Vet 24/7
Drive carefully but quickly to the nearest Perth veterinary emergency service. Keep your pet lying down in the car. Avoid feeding or giving water.
What to Expect at the Emergency Vet
Once at the clinic, vets will:
Examine your pet and assess symptoms
Run tests (e.g. clotting times, venom detection kits)
Start intravenous fluids
Administer antivenom if needed
Pets often need to stay at the clinic for monitoring, sometimes for 24–48 hours. Early treatment gives the best chance of survival and reduces complications.
Why Time Matters
Every minute counts after a snake bite. Waiting to "see if it gets worse" can cost your pet their life. Snake venom spreads fast. A 24 hour vet in Perth service can deliver life-saving treatment at any hour.
Many pets show no pain at the bite site. This makes it easy to overlook the danger. Don’t take risks. If you even think your pet might have been bitten, seek care right away.
Can You Prevent Snake Bites?
You can’t remove all risk, but you can lower it with a few habits:
Keep grass cut short and remove long vegetation
Clean up food scraps and secure bins (attracts rodents, which attract snakes)
Block gaps under fences
Supervise dogs in snake-prone areas
Use a leash when walking in bushland
Learn which snakes are found locally
Snake avoidance training may help some dogs, but always rely on supervision.
What If It’s After Hours?
Snake bites don’t follow a schedule. That’s why having a Vet in Perth on speed dial matters. Port City Emergency Vets is open around the clock, including public holidays, and our staff is trained to handle all emergencies, including venomous snake bites.
Save Our Details:
📍 Unit 2 / 279 Canning Highway, Palmyra, WA, 6157
📞 (08) 6185 1726
🌐 https://www.portcityemergencyvets.com/contact
Conclusion
In Perth, pets and snakes often share the same outdoor spaces. Fast action is key to surviving a bite. Stay calm, limit movement, and get to a veterinary emergency clinic right away.
Whether it's day or night, Port City Emergency Vets is ready to help. If your pet has been bitten, don’t wait. Contact our emergency vet 24/7 team immediately; your pet's life may depend on it.
