Last Updated: 08/12/2025

Snake Bites in Dogs: A Vet Guide to Emergency Care

Australian snakes are highly venomous and bites are life-threatening emergencies. This vet guide helps you recognise snake bite symptoms in dogs, provides clear first-aid instructions, and explains what to expect during veterinary treatment.

Author: Dr Jenny Eales BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read

While we love the great Australian outdoors, our unique wildlife includes some of the world's most venomous snakes. From the Eastern Brown to the Tiger snake, these slithering locals can pose a significant threat to our curious canine companions. Knowing how to act quickly is the difference between a close call and a tragedy. This guide covers everything from identifying symptoms to essential first-aid steps.

What to do if your dog has been bitten by a snake

A snake bite is a life-threatening emergency. If you even suspect your dog has been bitten, you must take them to the nearest veterinary clinic or emergency centre immediately.

Follow these steps to give your pet the best chance of recovery:

Keep them still: Carry your dog to the car if possible. Do not let them walk or run, as movement speeds up the spread of venom through the bloodstream.
Stay calm: Your dog picks up on your stress. Keeping your own heart rate down helps keep them quiet and calm.
Do not try to catch the snake: Never try to catch or kill the snake. Not only is it dangerous and illegal, but there are several types of anti-venom available for animals including one that covers several different species of snake. Your vet will discuss with you the best one to use to treat your pet.
Snap a safe photo: If - and only if - it is safe to do so, take a quick photo of the snake from a distance to show the vet. If the snake is already dead, use gloves to put it in a container, but never touch the head, as dead snakes can still deliver venom.
Apply a pressure bandage: If you know exactly where the bite is (usually on the face or front legs), apply a firm pressure bandage to the limb, similar to treating a sprain.
Call ahead: Alert your vet that you are on your way with a suspected snake bite so they can prepare the antivenom and be ready to assist you the moment you arrive.

Vet Tip: You won't always see a wound. Snake fangs are tiny and hair often hides the bite site. If your dog collapses or acts strangely after being outdoors, act immediately - waiting for a visible bite mark could be a fatal mistake.

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This compact first aid kit is specifically engineered for the unique challenges of Australian venomous snake bites. It provides the essential tools required to perform the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) correctly, which is vital for slowing the spread of venom while seeking emergency veterinary care.

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Signs of a snake bite in dogs

You may see some, or all of the following signs:

Sudden collapse, sometimes followed by getting up and acting normally
Weakness
Shaking/Trembling, shivering
Ataxia (unsteady gait, wobbling)
Dilated pupils
Excessive panting
Salivation
Vomiting
Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
Paralysis
Abnormal bleeding
Blood in urine/dark urine

Don't let looks deceive you. In Australia, identifying a snake based on size or colour is notoriously difficult and often inaccurate. To keep your pet safe, remember:

Appearance is unreliable: Even snakes of the same species can look vastly different.
Size doesn’t matter: Small snakes, such as the Eastern small-eyed snake, carry highly potent venom.
Juveniles are dangerous: Baby snakes are born with fully functional venom glands and can deliver a lethal dose.
Signs can be delayed: While some signs appear instantly, others may take up to 48 hours to manifest.

Assume any snake is venomous and seek immediate veterinary help if you suspect your dog has been bitten.

Treatment and what to expect

Your veterinarian will need to do some tests if you are unsure if your pet was bitten or to confirm the symptoms. These may be blood tests, urine tests or both.

Your dog will have an IV cannula placed (usually in one of their front legs) so your veterinarian can give them antivenom, and any other medications needed along with IV fluids.

Your dog will be kept in the veterinary hospital for treatment and monitoring, sometimes for a week or more. Some dogs may need more invasive and intensive treatment.

Unfortunately not all dogs survive snake bites. It depends on how quickly they are found and treated after envenomation and the venom load they received from the snake. The best thing you can do is get them to your closest vet straight away.

How to reduce the risk of snake bites

When the weather warms up, snakes become more active across Australia. To help keep your dog safe during these high-risk months, follow these practical steps to snake-proof your routine and your home.

Walking and outdoor safety

Keep them close: During spring and summer, always keep your dog on a lead when walking in areas with tall grass or dense bushland.
Stay on the path: Avoid letting your dog run off into thick scrub or explore holes in the ground where snakes may be resting.

Protecting your backyard

Tidy up: Keep your yard clean and free from debris like woodpiles or sheet metal, which provide perfect hiding spots.
Mow regularly: Short grass makes it much harder for a snake to go unnoticed. Many snake bites happen right in the pet's own backyard.
Secure the perimeter: If you live in a high-risk area, consider installing snake-proof fencing to create a secure barrier.

Removing attractants

Manage resources: Minimise potential food or water sources that might attract snakes or their prey (like rodents).
Restrict access: Use fencing to block your dog’s access to high-risk garden features, such as ponds or rockeries.

What venomous snakes are found where you live?

Some sites that have information what snakes are found in different areas of Australia:

FAQs

A snake bite is a frightening ordeal, but with rapid veterinary intervention, many dogs can make a full recovery. The key is to remain calm, restrict your dog's movement, and head straight to an emergency vet. By keeping your yard tidy and staying alert during the warmer months, you can help your pet enjoy the Australian summer safely.