The warmer months of the year are an active time for all. The birds have their young, reptiles emerge from hibernation and people get out and about in their local parks and reserves. It is at this time that your dog is most likely to encounter a snake.
The best way to protect dogs from being bitten by a snake is to restrain them from foraging through the bushy sections of the reserves. Dogs are instinctive hunters and the only defence a snake has from being mauled by a dog is to strike out and bite the attacking dog. Dogs have the potential to maul other animals as well, such as Blue Tongue Lizards, ground nesting birds, native mammals and frogs. This is another good reason to keep them away from the bushland.
The areas to let your dog run, forage and play are the designated off leash areas. Parramatta City Council currently has 5 off-leash dog areas and more in the planning stage. The current off-leash dog areas are:
If your pet does get bitten by a snake, the first aid response is to immobilise the animal (keep it calm and stop it from moving around), apply a pressure bandage if the bite is on a limb and take it as quickly as possible to a vet that supplies antivenom.
(Note: not all vets supply antivenom. Check with your vet to see if they do)
Symptoms in a dog from snake bite can include:
If any of these signs become apparent your dog may require urgent veterinary assistance. If you have a snake in your yard or property; leave it alone, keep your pets away and contact:
For further information contact your local vet.
This information has been sourced with appreciation from
http://www.vetwest.com.au/snake-bite Feb 2009
http://www.crownvet.com.au/snake-bite-dogs Feb 2009
http://www.vet-to-pet.com.au/tag/red-belly-black-snake/ Feb 2009
To report dog attack to council contact us on
9806 5700 (working hours) or
9806 5000 (after hours)
Customer Service: (61 2) 9806 5000