In the summer season, when the days get longer and the temperature starts to rise, there are different things that pet owners do to keep their puppies safe and healthy. One of the biggest problems Australian pet owners will face is snakes. Many cases of snake bites in pets have been reported throughout the year.

Snakes usually try to avoid humans, but if a snake gets in their way, it’s best to keep your dog away from them. Dogs basically have natural hunting instincts, so when they see snakes, they chase after them.

In this guide, we will discuss how you can keep your dog safe from snakes and the signs and symptoms of snakebite in dogs.

Will snakes stay away from dogs?

Snakes don’t like to get in the way of dogs, the reason being that dogs are louder, bigger, and more annoying than a good snack. If your dog is present in an area, the chances are high that snakes will stay away. However, if you accidentally enter an area that is full of snakes, there are ways to train your dog to avoid snakes.

What kind of dog is good for snakes?

There is no particular breed of dog that is considered a specialist in killing snakes. It is not in the instincts of dogs to kill a snake. So if you are looking for such a dog, you will be disappointed.

But there are few dog breeds that are more active in chasing and killing snakes. Some of the most common dog breeds that can chase and kill snakes are.

  • Australian Terriers
  • Airedales
  • Cairn Terrier
  • German Pinscher
  • Dachshund
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Norfolk Terrier
  • Lakeland Terrier
  • Rat Terrier
  • Yorkshire Terrier

Have you noticed a thing on the list that there are many terrier breeds on it? Terrier breeds are good hunters and are bred to hunt small animals such as mice and rats. This quality makes them a perfect dog to chase and hunt a snake.

Can dogs smell snakes in Australia?

Yes, the dog can smell snakes in Australia. Dogs’ sense of smell is very strong and famous, and they can smell things like underground rats, termites, and snakes hiding in bushes. The dog’s brain is one-tenth the size of humans, but dogs have an amazing sense of smell. Their sense of smell is forty times stronger than that of humans.

Dogs have a curious nature, which often leads to a snake bite to the nose or face when they try to sniff it out. Some snakes have a very bad odour and release this scent to warn their enemies. When dogs smell that scent, they often begin to investigate it.

What do you do if your dog sees a snake?

If your dog sees a snake in the garden, it’s best to do whatever it takes to keep the pup away from it and call in a snake catcher for help. On the other hand, if you find a snake in the yard that is dead or injured, it is important to take your pet to the vet for a more detailed diagnosis.

What does a snake bite look like on a dog?

A snake bite is difficult to detect in dogs because, initially, a snake bite is painless. The snakes’ fangs are very small and only leave a small scratch or puncture mark behind, and that many times without any bruising, redness, or swelling, it is very difficult to identify the snake bite.

It is essential to take your dog immediately to the vet because most dogs remain asymptomatic for almost 24 hours after a bite.

How long after a snake bite will a dog show symptoms?

Symptoms of snakebite in dogs vary greatly, most appearing almost 24 hours after the bite. That is the reason why it is difficult to understand whether your dog is a victim of a snake bite or not. Even the most experienced vets sometimes fail to identify a snake bite based on these symptoms and often need the help of snake identification kits. The most common signs that will appear as a result of a snake bite are

  • Sudden collapse or weakness
  • Shaking, trembling, or twitching of muscles.
  • Weakness in hind legs
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Bloody urine
  • Excessive salivation
  • Paralysis
  • Dilated pupils

What are the Long term effects of snake bites in dogs?

A dog that is bitten by a snake is treated successfully in a clinic may experience lethargy and weakness in long-term effects. These problems may continue for days to weeks after treatment.

Another problem that is seen in the long-term effects is the formation of echinocytes. Echinocytes are defined as speculated RBCs that are of similar size and evenly spaced.

Snake protection for dogs, how to snake-proof your yard?

When the spring season rolls around, and the temperature rises, the snakes wake up from their long nap. That is why it is important to protect your gardens by taking the following measures.

  • Cut the grass short
  • Cover holes in your grass
  • Keep the shrubs and trees clipped
  • Always keep your pup on a leash
  • Give your dog rattlesnake vaccination

What smell do snakes hate? What is the best snake repellent?

Different products can act as snake repellents. Some of the common snake repellents are

Naphthalene

Naphthalene is one of the famous snake repellants and is commonly found in commercial snake repellants.

Sulphur

Powdered sulphur is a famous snake repellent. You can use it by placing sulphur in your home or property, and if the snake comes in contact with it, its skin becomes irritated, and it will not return.

Clove oil and cinnamon

Clove and cinnamon oil is famous and effective snake repellants. You can use them by mixing them and spraying them directly on the snake.

Most poisonous snakes in Australia

Australia is very famous for the deadliest snakes in the world. Of the total of 3,800 snakes, only 20% are poisonous. There are many deadliest snakes in Australia, but the Taipan Outback ranks number one in the world.

Conclusion

Snakebite is very dangerous, and it is important to protect your dog from it. Train your dog how to behave when he sees a snake.