Summer Snake Warning for Pet Owners
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media release: 23 November, 2011
Summer Snake Warning for Pet Owners
A serious warning to all pet owners has been given by a leading veterinarian as temperatures heat up around Australia and thousands of family animals face the threat of a deadly snake bite.
Head vet at VetShopAustralia.com.au Dr Mark Perissinotto reported that over 6,000 animals are bitten by snakes in Australia each year and around 80 per cent of pets survive if treated quickly giving reason for all pet owners to take full precautions and keep pets snake-safe this summer.
"Unfortunately during the summertime snakes are a constant and deadly threat to our beloved pets, with brown snakes being the most common cause of snake bite deaths, closely followed by tiger snakes and black snakes," he said.
"Keeping an eye on the outdoors areas around your house is the first way to prevent snakes from harming your pet. Keep backyards tidy and remove rubbish heaps to eliminate any possible snake hiding spots," Dr Perissinotto said.
"If you spot any snakes lurking in your backyard, call a professional to come and remove it from the area right away. It is also recommended not to walk your pet through long grassy areas where snakes would most likely be living,” he said.
"If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake it is crucial to act fast and take them to a vet immediately. The quicker the animal is attended to the higher chance they have of surviving as dogs that are bitten several times can become paralysed within 2-4 hours and can then die 2-5 hours after being bitten.”
“If you are located in a remote area apply a firm bandage around the bite to help stop the venom spreading to the heart and remember to never wash, cut or apply a tourniquet on the wound site," he said.
Dr Perissinotto said that dogs and cats are generally bitten around the head and limbs so checking for bite marks in these areas is a good idea and that other signs to watch for also included shaking or shivering, lethargy, drooling, dilated pupils, vomiting and diarrhoea.
“If all pet owners are prepared and ready for the snake season it will greatly reduce the risks of a disaster occurring and will allow the whole family to enjoy a snake free summer of fun,” he said.
ENDS
Further information
Media Contact: Jemma Lenton 07 5453 4840
Jemma.lenton@vetshoponline.com
Address: 5/42 Owen Creek RD. Forest Glen QLD
Go to the Dr Mark bio page for more information about Dr Mark Perissinotto.