Hey Woofa’s,

With the weather finally starting to warm up one thing us Aussies have to watch out for are SNAKES.

Snakes (and other reptiles) are coming out of hibernation now that the weather is warmer (as am I – I always say I was either a bear or a reptile in a past life because I could easily hibernate through the colder months).

I’ve already heard a story where my customer was out walking her two dogs on leads and on a footpath, however they were in a bushy area.

One of her dogs walked a bit off the path (while still on lead) and disturbed a common death adder snake which then proceeded to bite her dog quite a few times.

They had to rush him to SASH – Small Animal Specialist Hospital in North Ryde, he had to have quite a few anti venom shots and a long stay at the hospital, which also cost the bomb.

Thankfully they had Pet Insurance which covered some of the massive dollars that were charged!!!!!

However, the good news is he survived and is back to normal now.

Just listening to the story gave me chills let alone going through it.

 

It’s SNAKE SEASON, they are out and about, so BE AWARE!

9 THINGS TO BE AWARE OF THIS SNAKE SEASON?

 

1 – Snakes In Water!

While snakes love the heat, they still need water to cool down.

If you have a pool, ponds, fountains, dams, or any sort of water in your yard be aware before jumping in and taking a swim.

Even your dog’s water bowl might be at risk.

I’ve found mainly blue tongue lizards and birds around Billy’s outside water dish.

If you do happen to find a snake at home, call WIRES – 1300 094 737

There’s also Snake Catcher Sydney  – 1300 599 938 

 

2 – While You’re Out and About!

We had a neighbour who had been out on a summer picnic with family and friends.

About an hour after they got home, he knocked on our door white as a sheet.

A snake had crawled up under his car while they were out and was now slithering around his garage!!!!!

Which is why you have to be aware of where your car is parked also, while you’re out and about.

And if you’ve taken your dog with you, keep an eye on them and  watch their behaviour.

Is your dog continuously barking at the one spot?   What has peeked it’s interest etc?

Your dog will generally find a snake before you do!!!!

If you’re swimming in a natural water hole, sometimes the beaches, river or creek, also be aware and keep your eyes peeled.

 

3 – Know Your Dog’s Behaviour!

Be aware, if your dog suddenly becomes interested in something in the garden, or under a stack of something or while you’re out and about, and won’t leave it alone.

Guaranteed it could be a snake.

We had friends whose Staffy, Bonnie, died defending their kids at the park because a snake was trying to go near them.

She interfered and was bitten too many times on the throat to survive…………….extremely sad.

She died a HERO because she saved the kids from the snake.

This is why we have to be vigilant in summer while we’re out and about in nature.

Granted we also have Blue Tongue Lizards and they are out and about also.

The blue tongues are lizards, they have a blue tongue and they have legs which helps identify them.

We leave the Blue Tongues alone, they’re fine the trouble is Billy finds them before we do : (

 

4 –  Identify it and Report It!

If you do see a snake anywhere near your area, stay away from it but try to identify it.

If you can, call WIRES or the local snake person to let them know.

They are trained to collect them and have the appropriate equipment for removal.

5 – Know Which Snake!

Generally, Red Bellied Black Snakes  won’t attack unless they are attacked or feel in danger first.

I’ve walked right by one (only 30 centimetres away) before and never got attacked.

It’s the Brown Snakes that will strike up at you.

So if your dog finds one and barks in it’s face, guaranteed a fight will begin.

We had a Red Belly in the front yard once and I watched it all day sliver in and out of the pond.

It would start on the rock, then go into the water, then back up on the rock.  Once the sun went down it slivered off and only struck out once the birds started to attack it.

I also have a friend that got bitten by a Brown Snake, she was clearing away tree branches and it bit her on the ankle.

Then chased her and her husband as they tried to get into the car.

They eventually got to hospital, once the anti venom was given and a week of blood tests to make sure the venom was out of her system, she was okay.

The Browns will attack and give chase.

So try to keep your dog away from any snake until someone can come and remove it.

Here is another site of Australia’s 10 Most Dangerous Snakes!

 

6 – Snake Fight!

If your dog does start something with a snake be very careful, if you distract your dog away from the fight it could be the moment the snake bites.

Some dogs will be successful but some also come out worse for wear.

This is something we want to try to avoid.

 

7 – Anti – Venom!

It’s best to keep the number to the local 24 hour VET on hand and to find out whether they keep anti-venom.

If they don’t, find out off them the closest VET who does store it.

Knowing this information could really make a difference.

 

8 – Signs to look for!

If your dog is bitten it will show

1. Weakness;
2. Collapse;
3. Shaking;
4. Vomiting;
5. Blood in the Urine;
6. Dilated Pupils and;
7. Paralysis.

9 – What to do if your dog has been bitten?

1. Immobilise them and keep them as still as possible;
2. Wrap them in a Towel, if needed;
3. Call the Local 24 hour vet, find out who has the anti venom;
4. Try to identify what colour the snake was;
5. Take them to the vet with the anti- venom ASAP.

 

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

Be Aware, Be Vigilant!

I don’t want to scare anyone, the purpose of this post is to be aware.

Even when walking your dog be aware of your surroundings.

We want everyone to be safe and have fun this Spring/Summer.

 

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – IF YOU HAVE ANY SNAKE STORIES TO SHARE?