Tiger Snake Bite - Treatment

In Australia, there are approximately 3000 snake bites every year. Because of the fact, that pets spend more time in areas where snakes reside, they are at an even greater risk of snake bite than humans. The chance that a human or pet surviving a snake bite depends on what type of snake was involved and now much venom was used in the attack. Here are some suggestions if your pet gets bit by a Tiger snake or other snake.

1. Identify the symptoms of the pet who got bit. Depending on the breed of snake, some symptoms will be common. Here are some ways your dog may react if it has been bitten by a snake: Vomiting, trembling, drolling, dilated pupils, bloody urine, weak legs, respiratory distress and others.

2. Identify the type of snake involved in the snake attack. If it is not dangerous to do so, identifying the breed of snake and also the venom can be helpful information to give the vet. The vet will usually be able to use a snake detection kit to clearly identify the snake venom but the more info you can give the vet the better.

If a dog is bitten by a Tiger snake, the reaction from the bitten dog is immediate. The dog will usually become hyperactive and agitated. Quite quickly, in most cases the dog victim will collapse and it will become hard for the dog to breathe. If it doesn't receive immediate treatment, it will likely die.

3. Do not delay but seek medical attention from a vet immediately. You should call the vet without delay and tell them you will be arriving shortly. This will allow the vet time to make arrangement to help you upon arrival.

4. Have an understanding of what the vet will do. It will help give you peace of mind of you have a general idea of what the vet will do.

5. Expect recovery in 1 - 2 days. If your dog survives, they should recover in about 24 - 48 hours. On the other hand, it will take even longer than that for your pet to get completely well.