Snake bites in dogs and cats
Australian snakes and their effects
Australian snake venoms contain several toxins, and the pattern of illness varies with the species, the amount of venom injected and the size and health of the pet. In eastern Australia, important species include brown snakes, tiger snakes, red-bellied black
snakes and whip snakes.
- Brown snakes commonly cause sudden collapse and severe clotting abnormalities. Internal bleeding may occur, although visible
bleeding is not always present. - Tiger snakes commonly cause progressive weakness or paralysis, muscle injury and clotting abnormalities. Severe cases may
lose the ability to breathe. - Red-bellied black snakes often cause vomiting, weakness, local swelling and painful muscle injury, sometimes with dark red or
brown urine. Kidney injury can occur. - Whip snake bites are often less severe but may cause pain, swelling, weakness or other systemic signs. Any suspected bite still
requires prompt assessment because the snake may be misidentified and severity is unpredictable.
A bite does not always inject venom (a “dry bite”), but this cannot be determined safely at home. Fang marks may be tiny, hidden by fur or absent on examination.
What signs might I see?
Signs may begin within minutes, but some pets appear to recover temporarily after an initial collapse and then deteriorate. Others develop signs gradually over several hours.
- Sudden collapse, weakness or a wobbly gait
Vomiting, drooling or trembling - Dilated pupils, reduced responsiveness or altered behaviour
- Progressive weakness or paralysis, including difficulty holding the head up
- Changed voice, difficulty swallowing or regurgitation
- Rapid, shallow or laboured breathing
- Pale gums, bruising, bleeding or blood in urine or faeces
- Dark red or brown urine, muscle pain or stiffness
- Swelling or pain around a suspected bite site
- Seizures, unconsciousness or cardiac arrest in severe cases
Important: A pet that collapses and then seems to recover may still be seriously envenomated. Go directly to a veterinarian.
What should I do immediately?
- Move away from the snake. Do not attempt to catch, kill or handle it, including a dead snake.
- Keep your pet calm and as still as possible. Carry them to the car rather than allowing them to walk, if this can be done safely.
- Remove the collar if the bite may be on the face or neck.
- Call the veterinary hospital while travelling so the team can prepare antivenom and emergency equipment.
- If it can be done without delay or danger, take a photograph of the snake from a safe distance. Identification is helpful but is not
essential for treatment.
Do not apply ice, cut or suck the wound, use a tourniquet, wash the bite site, give medication, or delay transport while
searching for fang marks. Pressure-immobilisation bandaging is difficult to apply correctly to pets and should not delay
immediate transport unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.
How is snake envenomation diagnosed?
There is no single test that diagnoses every snake bite. Your veterinarian combines the history, clinical signs, physical examination and laboratory results.
Tests may include:
- Clotting tests to detect venom-induced coagulopathy
- Blood tests to assess red blood cells, muscle injury, electrolytes and kidney function
- Urinalysis to look for blood pigment or muscle pigment
- Snake venom detection testing in selected cases
- Imaging or additional tests when internal bleeding, aspiration pneumonia (lung inflammation or infection caused by accidentally
inhaling food, fluid or saliva) or another complication is suspected
Early test results can sometimes be normal, particularly soon after the bite. Hospital observation and repeat testing may be recommended if exposure is strongly suspected.
How is it treated?
Treatment can include the following:
- Antivenom is the main specific treatment for clinically significant Australian snake envenomation. It binds circulating venom but cannot reliably reverse damage that has already occurred, so early administration is important. The type and number of vials depend on the likely snake, severity and response to treatment. Antivenom reactions are possible but uncommon and can usually be managed by the veterinary team. The risk of untreated envenomation is far greater than the risk of an antivenom reaction when antivenom is indicated. Antivenom is a biological blood product made from donor horse plasma. Although it is not a red blood cell transfusion, please tell your veterinarian that your pet has received antivenom before any future antivenom, antiserum or blood-product transfusion.
- Oxygen therapy and support of breathing; severely paralysed patients may require mechanical ventilation
- Intravenous fluids, adjusted to circulation, urine production and kidney function
- Pain relief and treatment of nausea or regurgitation when required
- Blood products if severe anaemia, bleeding or clotting abnormalities develop
- Intensive nursing care, including positioning, eye care, bladder care and physiotherapy for paralysed patients
What is the outlook?
Prognosis depends on the snake species, venom dose, time to antivenom and the complications present. Many dogs and cats
recover with prompt treatment, but severe envenomation can be fatal despite intensive care.
Pets with respiratory paralysis, major internal bleeding, marked muscle injury, kidney injury or prolonged delay before treatment may require several days of hospitalisation. Some need mechanical ventilation, blood transfusion or extended recovery at home. Antivenom treats the current exposure only and does not protect against future snake bites.
Reducing the risk
- Keep dogs on a lead near long grass, bushland, waterways, rocks and fallen timber.
- Keep cats indoors or in a secure enclosure, particularly during warmer months and around dawn or dusk.
- Keep grass short and remove rubbish, dense ground cover, stored timber and other hiding places near the house.
- Reduce access to rodents by securing pet food, bird seed and rubbish.
- Use a licensed snake catcher for removal. Snake repellents have not been shown to be reliably effective.
Clinically reviewed and approved by Dr Giulia Agostini, Pet Emergency Senior Veterinarian and Clinical Manager, DVM MANZCVS (ECC) August 2026