Health & wellness
A snake bite is one of those things no pet parent ever wants to think about. But in many parts of Australia, it’s a real risk, especially during the warmer months when snakes are most active.
The reassuring news? Many snake bites can be prevented, and even when they do happen, pets often recover well if they receive timely veterinary care.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through where snakes are most likely to pop up, how to reduce the risk, the signs to watch for, and how to make sure your pet gets the right care quickly.
Table of contents
Which snakes are most likely to bite pets in Australia?
Most venomous snake bites in Australian cats and dogs come from brown snakes and tiger snakes. Other species like red-bellied black snakes, death adders, and taipans can also be dangerous.
Even non-venomous species like carpet snakes and diamond pythons, can still cause painful bites and injuries if a curious pet gets too close.
Because snake species vary across Australia, it’s worth knowing which ones are common in your area and the places you visit with your pets. And no matter the snake, any pet that’s been bitten should always see a vet.
Places your pet may encounter snakes
Snakes can be found right across Australia, though the types and numbers vary by region. They’re most active during spring and summer, which is when pets are most likely to cross paths with them.
Snakes are commonly found in areas that provide food, water, and shelter, including:
- Bushland and forests: Dense vegetation, leaf litter, logs, and rocks.
- Grassland and open fields: Long grass.
- Near water sources: Rivers, creeks, dams, ponds, and wetlands.
- Gardens and yards: Under woodpiles, garden sheds, compost heaps, or thick shrubs.
- Around homes and outbuildings: Garages, sheds, crawl spaces, and quiet sheltered areas.
How can I prevent my pet from getting bitten by a snake?
Avoid high-risk areas
During warmer months, steer clear of bushland, long grass, wetlands dams, creeks, and any areas with dense vegetation where snakes may hide. When walking near these areas, keeping dogs on a lead can make all the difference.
Keep your outdoor space tidy
Snakes love a good hiding spot. Mowing lawns, trimming back shrubs, and clearing away things like woodpiles can make your yard far less inviting to them.
Supervise pets when they’re outdoors
Keeping an eye on your pet outdoors helps you spot trouble early. You’ll be able to redirect them away from risky areas and intervene quickly if a snake turns up unexpectedly.
Check for potential snake hideouts around your home
Regularly check areas of your home and garden that snakes could be attracted to or use as shelter (think outhouses, garden sheds, under wood piles etc.). By removing or managing these hiding spots, this will reduce the likelihood of snakes being present, which in turn lowers the risk of your pets encountering and being bitten by a snake.
If you live in a high-risk area and regularly encounter snakes, a snake-proof fence may be worth considering.
If you encounter a snake at home
If you spot a snake in your garden or house, don’t try to catch or kill it. Move away slowly, keep your pets well clear, and watch from a safe distance. Most snakes will move on by themselves.
If the snake sticks around and you’re concerned about your and your pet’s safety, contact a licensed snake handler to relocate the snake safely. Snakes are protected and play an important role in the environment, so you shouldn’t attempt to remove them yourself or harm them.
Common signs of a snake bite in cats and dogs
Snake bites can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the type of snake and the animal that’s been bitten.
With tiger and brown snakes, common effects include paralysis, muscle weakness, and problems with blood clotting, which can result in prolonged or excessive bleeding.
Other signs you might notice include:
- Sudden weakness or collapse (sometimes followed by a brief recovery)
- Shaking, twitching muscles, or reduced blinking
- Vomiting
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Dilated pupils
- Paralysis
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or bite site
- Not eating (especially in cats)
- Dark or bloody urine
What to do if you think your pet might have been bitten by a snake
If you think your pet has been bitten by a snake, keep them as calm and still as possible and head to the vet immediately. The earlier your pet receives treatment, the better their chances of full recovery.
Calling the clinic on the way is also a good idea. It allows the team to prepare for your arrival and offer advice on how to make your pet as comfortable as possible on the way.
If you know where the bite happened, you can apply a firm pressure bandage above, over, and below the site. If the bite is on your pet’s face or neck and they’re wearing a collar, remove it in case swelling occurs. Don’t wash the wound and don’t use a tourniquet.
Spotted the snake? Tell your vet what it looked like, and never try to catch, harm, or kill it. If it’s safe, take a photo from a distance. Don’t attempt to touch the snake (even if it seems dead) as this puts you at risk. If you didn’t see the snake, your vet can run tests to determine what antivenom may be needed.
Venomous snake bites often require intensive, life-saving care. That can include antivenom, breathing support, blood transfusions and close monitoring while your pet stabilises.
A final tip for keeping your pets safe
Snake bites can be frightening, but with quick action and prompt veterinary care, many pets go on to make a full recovery.
While prevention is important, accidents can still happen, especially if you live in an area where snakes are common. That’s why it helps to be prepared, just in case the unexpected occurs.
Treatment for snake bites can be complex and costly, and pet insurance may help cover some of the expenses. That way, if something does happen, you can focus on what matters most: Getting your pet the care they need.
For pet owners looking for cover with a little extra purpose, RSPCA Pet Insurance is built on 150+ years of animal welfare experience, informed by RSPCA vets, and supports vulnerable animals in the RSPCA’s care. So while you’re protecting your pet, you’re also providing care for thousands of others across Australia.
To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.
Disclaimer
As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
References
[1] RSPCA Australia. My pet has been bitten by a snake, what should I do? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/my-pet-has-been-bitten-by-a-snake-what-should-i-do
[2] RSPCA Australia. How can I help protect my pets from snakes? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/how-can-i-help-protect-my-pets-from-snakes
[3] RSPCA Australia. There’s a snake in my backyard, what should I do? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/how-can-i-help-protect-my-pets-from-snakes
FAQs
Yes. Both cats and dogs in Australia can be at risk of snake bites, especially during warmer months when snakes are more active and may be encountered during everyday outdoor activities. Pets can be exposed both outdoors and indoors, as snakes can enter homes and sheltered areas, and many bites occur without the owner even seeing the snake.
To protect pets from snake bites, keep yards tidy by trimming grass and removing rubbish or hiding spots, consider snake-proof fencing if snakes are common, keep dogs on a leash near bushland, and provide cats with indoor access or a secure outdoor enclosure.
Both dogs and cats frequently require treatment for venomous snake bites. However, dogs are at greater risk due to their inquisitive nature and tendency to explore with their nose and mouth. While cats generally exhibit more caution, they remain susceptible to snake bites.
Yes. Always seek emergency veterinary advice and treatment as soon as you become aware your pet has been bitten by a snake, regardless of whether you know what kind of snake it was. Prompt treatment is critical for their survival and can prevent serious complications.
Yes, some pet insurance policies do cover treatment for snake bites. With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can claim back eligible vet costs for snake bite treatment, including emergency care, antivenom, and follow-up treatment.
As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
