Watch Out!
Snakes Are Out and About!!
With the warmer weather upon us, snakes are coming out of hibernation.
Your dog or cat may see a snake moving in the yard and its first instinct is to chase it.
The snake may attack and bite your pet as a form of defence.
Signs of snake envenomation includes: muscular weakness, wobbliness or paralysis, increased respiratory effort, trembling, salivation, vomiting, slower blood clotting time, bruising, blood in the urine, and abnormal neurological signs (including collapse, seizure, tremors, pupil enlargement).
If you are concerned that your pet has been bitten by a snake, call us immediately.
The sooner the snake antivenom is given, the higher the chance of survival.
If you see a snake, please keep your distance, do not try to touch it or try to contain it and call the WIRES on 1300 094 737.
Keeping Your Pets Safe Over Summer
With the weather warming up it is important to look after your pets:
• Provide shelter for your pets, so they get away from direct sunlight.
• Provide plenty of water. Animals do not sweat like humans and they rely on the evaporation of the water in their mouths to cool themselves down. So they need extra water so they do not overheat.
• Provide extra water sources in case they are spilled.
• Provide kiddy pools so your pet can lay in the water.
• Bring your pets indoors with air conditioning, if possible.
• Consider day boarding in air conditioning.
• Avoid exercising your pets during the heat of the day. Walk them in the early morning, or later at night when it is cooler.
• Do not leave pets in a car or vehicle.
If your pet has a medical condition, they may be more prone to heat stroke: e.g. obesity; Brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed/flat-faced) e.g. Pugs, English bull dogs, French bulldogs, Pekingese and Persian and Himalayan cats; Respiratory disease/breathing problems – laryngeal paralysis, collapsing trachea; Thick/long hair coat; Heart problems/Cardiovascular disease; Extremes in age (young/old); Neurological disease.
Signs of Heat Stroke
Common signs include:
• Incessant panting; Drooling, salivating; Agitation, restlessness; Very red or pale gums; Bright red tongue; Increased heart rate; Breathing distress; Vomiting, Diarrhoea (possibly with blood); Signs of mental confusion, delirium; Dizziness, staggering; Lethargy; weakness; Muscle tremors; Seizures; Collapsing and lying down; Little to no urine production; Coma or Death.
How do you treat a pet with heatstroke?
First step is to instigate Emergency First Aid by bathing your pet in cool water.
Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency – always see a vet.
Please feel free to pop in anytime and meet the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital. For more information check out our Facebook, website www.orchardhillsvet.com.au , Instagram @orchardhillsvethospitalgrooms or call 02 4736 2027.
Article Written + Submitted by: Camille Brandt from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital
A: 377 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027