How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Snakes This Season

As the delicious warmer months settle in across the Northern Rivers, reptiles, including snakes, become more active. For pet owners - especially those with curious dogs or free-roaming cats - this can be a dangerous time. At Lennox Head Vet Clinic, we are already seeing an increase in snakebite cases as we move through Spring, and prevention is always far better (and less stressful) than cure. Here are some practical tips and guidelines to help keep your pets safe from snakes this season.

Why Snakes Are More of a Risk in Warmer Months

• Increased snake activity. Snakes are ectotherms (cold-blooded), so they become more active when temperatures rise, hunting for food, moving to breeding sites, or finding shelter.

• Habitat overlap. As we spend more time outdoors - and as bushland invades suburban edges - interactions between pets and snakes escalate. We see a surprising number of snake bite cases from suburban backyards, both in here Lennox and beyond. We often share our homes with wildlife, and snakes are no exception.

• Dry landscapes. During drier periods, both predators and prey concentrate around water sources, increasing the odds of close contact.

What to Do Before Snake Season Hits

1. Know the local snake species

In the Northern Rivers region, common venomous snakes you might encounter include the Eastern Brown Snake, Red-bellied Black Snake, Tiger Snake, Eastern Small-eyed Snakes and Eastern Whip Snakes (just to name a few key players). Being aware of what snakes look like (size, colour, patterns) can help in early detection, first aid and subsequent treatment.

💡The Australian Snake Identification and Advocacy Facebook group is a fantastic resource and community for snake information, identification and updates.

2. Modify your yard for snake deterrence

• Mow regularly & clear undergrowth. Snakes like dense grass or shrubs for shelter. Keep grass short and trim hedges away from fences.

• Remove cover objects. Logs, woodpiles, corrugated iron sheets, and rock piles are ideal snake hideouts. Store firewood elevated and away from fences.

• Seal gaps & screen out rodents. Snakes may follow rodents; sealing holes under sheds, fences, patios, and installing fine mesh can reduce access.

• Keep water features in check. Still ponds, bird baths, or leaking taps attract frogs and rodents, which in turn attract snakes.

• Install snake fencing or snake-proof barriers. In high-risk areas, snake fencing (buried at base) may provide extra protection.

3. Train & supervise your pets outdoors

• Leash walks near bushland. Keep dogs on leash or supervise cats when outside, especially in these warmer months

• Teach “recall” or “leave it” commands. Although you can’t train a pet to reliably avoid snakes, strong has-to-come commands help in many risky situations.

• Avoid dense bush edges, sand dunes & weed-infested areas. Stick to cleared paths or lawns rather than heavy scrub or dune scapes. We have seen plenty of snakebites from the dunes and scrub around Seven Mile! Keeping your dog leashed until they’re on the beach is a great habit to get into.

4. Know the signs & first aid steps

If a snakebite does occur, quick response can make a big difference.

Signs of snakebite in pets may include:

• Sudden collapse or weakness

• Shaking, staggering, or tremors

• Localised swelling, bleeding, or fang marks

• Excess salivation, vomiting

• Difficulty breathing

• Dilated pupils, collapse, shock

Immediate first aid (while contacting your vet):

1. Keep the pet calm and still. Movement circulates venom faster.

2. Apply a pressure bandage (if trained) over the bite area and along the limb, but don’t tourniquet (cut off blood flow).

3. Transport to hospital urgently. Time is critical.

4. Do not attempt to suck venom or cut the wound. Do not apply ice either.

5. Bring any dead snake (if safe) for identification. That helps the vet decide which antivenom to use (but only if it can be collected safely - some photos can suffice).

What to Expect at the Vet

• Rapid assessment. We’ll check vital signs, severity of envenomation, and take blood tests.

• Antivenom therapy. Administration of the correct antivenom is often the only definitive treatment.

• Supportive care. This may include IV fluids, pain relief, oxygen, monitoring and managing complications (e.g. kidney function, blood transfusions).

• Hospitalisation. Many snakebite victims need several days in hospital for close monitoring and treatment - and sometimes, additional antivenom

• Recovery & rehab. With prompt care, many pets recover well - though some may need follow-up visits and blood monitoring.

Practical Tips for Pet Owners in the Northern Rivers

• Avoid letting pets roam in bush or long-grass areas

• Avoid walking in the hottest part of the day (a no-brainer for their health, too)

• Walk dogs on cleared paths, especially in rural or semi-rural properties.

• Teach family members and sitters about snake risk and what your plan of action is in a bite scenario

• Keep our clinic’s contact number (and the after-hours emergency vet) handy.

• Consider snake avoidance training or programs (consult a qualified trainer).

• Maintain emergency funds or pet insurance to help with snakebite treatment, which can be costly.

Final Thoughts from Lennox Head Vet Clinic

Snake encounters are a serious risk in summer, especially in the rich bushland and waterways of the Northern Rivers. But with thoughtful preparation, yard modifications, supervision, and prompt action, your pet’s risk can be significantly reduced.

🐾 Stay safe this season - and enjoy time outdoors with your pets, worry-free.