It’s that time of year again — the weather is warming up, the bush is buzzing with life, and our scaly neighbours are on the move. Here at Maleny Vet Services, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in snake bite cases over the last month, which tells us one thing: snakes are definitely out and about in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland right now.
While snakes are an important part of our local ecosystem (they help keep rodent numbers in check), they can pose a very real danger to curious cats and adventurous dogs. Pets don’t understand the risk — and all too often, a bite ends up as a medical emergency.
What Snake Bites Look Like in Pets
Snake bite symptoms can vary depending on the snake, the amount of venom injected, and the size of your pet. Sometimes, the signs appear within minutes, other times it can take hours — which is why it’s so important to keep a close eye if you suspect a snake encounter.
Common signs include:
- Sudden weakness or collapse, sometimes followed by a strange temporary “recovery”
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive drooling, vomiting or trembling
- Wobbliness, hind limb weakness or difficulty walking
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Paralysis, which can set in quickly
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, act fast. Waiting to “see how they go” can mean the difference between life and death.
What To Do If You Suspect a Bite
- Stay calm – panicking won’t help, and your pet will sense your stress.
- Restrict your pet’s movement – carry them if you can, or keep them as still as possible to slow venom spread.
- Do NOT try to catch or kill the snake – it’s dangerous and our treatment doesn’t rely on snake identification.
- Head straight to the vet – snake bites are always an emergency. Call ahead if possible so we’re ready the moment you arrive.
Treatment may involve antivenom, supportive care, and monitoring and the earlier we start, the better the chances of recovery.
Reducing the Risk at Home
While we can’t keep snakes out of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland (it’s their home too!), there are steps you can take to lower the chances of an encounter:
- Keep lawns short and gardens well-maintained.
- Remove piles of timber, debris or long grass that make excellent snake hideouts.
- Supervise your pets outdoors, especially in bushy or creekside areas.
- Consider keeping cats indoors during peak snake activity times.
- On walks, stick to clear tracks and keep dogs on a lead.
There are always going around so vigilance is key.
The Main Point
Snakes are active across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland right now and unfortunately, many pets don’t know to keep their distance. If you think your pet has been bitten (even if you’re not 100% sure) get them to us or another emergency vet straight away. Every minute matters and quick treatment saves lives.
The good news? With vigilance and prompt action, many pets make a full recovery. So keep an eye out, stay prepared and if you have any concerns, remember the team at Maleny Vet Services is just a phone call away.