A Life-Saving Guide for Dog and Cat Owners
As residents of the beautiful NSW Central Coast and Sydney regions, we share our environment with some of the world's most venomous snakes. The warmer months—typically September through April—see a surge in snake activity, making education and immediate action the single most important factor in saving your pet’s life.
A snake encounter with a curious dog or a swift-moving cat can turn deadly in a matter of seconds. Knowing the risks and, crucially, what to do, is essential for every pet owner.
The Top Three Dangerous Snakes on the NSW Central Coast
While many species exist, the vast majority of serious envenomations in our region are caused by just three snakes. Knowledge of these species is a great first step in prevention.
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Snake Species
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Identification Clues
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Key Venom Effects (in Pets)
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1. Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)
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Highly variable in colour, from light tan/brown to almost black. Often slender with a small, narrow head. Note: Brown Snakes can be mistaken for Black Snakes, and colour is not a reliable way to differentiate them.
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Primarily neurotoxic (attacks the nervous system). Causes weakness, staggering (ataxia), wobbly hind legs, dilated pupils, and eventually, paralysis.
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2. Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)
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Shiny, uniform black body with a distinct red or pink belly colour visible along the sides.
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Primarily haemotoxic (damages blood cells and clotting) and myotoxic (damages muscle tissue). It may cause dark, port-wine coloured urine, localised pain/swelling, and muscle damage.
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3. Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus)
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Robust body, often displaying distinctive yellow/cream and black banding (though colours can vary greatly, from uniform olive to grey).
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A potent mix of neurotoxins, myotoxins, and haemotoxins. Highly dangerous.
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Signs Your Pet Has Been Bitten
The bite itself is often painless and nearly impossible to find, as the fangs leave tiny, pin-prick marks. Signs can appear within minutes to hours.
The most critical sign is the "Two-Phase Collapse":
- Phase 1: Your pet suddenly collapses, staggers, or vomits, then seems to recover and acts normal.
- Phase 2: This apparent recovery is often a false-alarm. Deterioration rapidly follows, indicating a lethal dose of venom. Do not wait for Phase 2.
Other Common Symptoms:
- Sudden weakness or collapse
- Vomiting or drooling
- Tremors or shaking
- Wobbly or paralysed back legs (ataxia)
- Dilated pupils that don't respond to light
- Difficulty breathing
- Dark or blood-tinged urine (especially with Black Snake bites)
WHAT TO DO: A Crucial Timeline
DO NOT DELAY—SECONDS SAVE LIVES
STEP 1: Immediate Action is Essential
DO NOT DELAY. The single most important factor in your pet's survival is the speed of treatment. Every moment you delay veterinary care and the administration of antivenom decreases the chances of your pet surviving.
- Stop All Movement: Keep your pet as calm and still as possible. Any physical exertion, running, or excitement will increase their heart rate and speed up the spread of venom through the lymphatic system. CARRY YOUR PET to the car.
- Call Ahead: Phone our hospital (or your nearest veterinary emergency hospital) immediately while you are on the way. Inform the team you are bringing in a suspected snake bite victim, so they can prepare antivenom and emergency equipment for your arrival.
- Go Directly to the Vet: Drive to the clinic immediately.
STEP 2: The Truth About Identification
We understand the instinct to try and identify the snake, but your safety and your pet's life are the priority.
- NEVER attempt to catch, kill, or handle a live snake. This puts you at risk, and Australian snakes are protected wildlife.
- Do not waste time looking for the snake. Your time is better spent driving to the vet.
What if I didn't see the snake?
Do not worry! If you are unsure what type of snake it was, or if you didn't see one at all - but suspect a bite, your veterinary team has tests that can help.
We use a Snake Venom Detection Kit (SVDK) which can be performed on a small blood or urine sample from your pet. This test identifies the immunotype (or family) of the venom present—such as Brown Snake or Tiger Snake—allowing us to confidently choose the correct life-saving antivenom. This means no delay is necessary—bring your pet in right away.
STEP 3: Veterinary Treatment is Paramount
Antivenom is the only effective treatment. It works by neutralising the snake venom that is still circulating in your pet's bloodstream.
Here’s why speed is critical: Antivenom cannot reverse the damage already done by venom that has bonded to nerves or tissues. The faster the antivenom is administered, the more circulating venom it can neutralise, dramatically increasing your pet’s chance of survival and recovery.
Your pet will receive a tailored treatment plan, which may include antivenom, intravenous fluids, and close monitoring in our intensive care unit, often for 24-48 hours or more. If you have any further questions, feel free to call us on 4365 1086.