Snake Avoidance Safety Management:
Snakes need shelter and food – remove these options.
Don’t leave dog bowls and scraps out to attract mice and rats. Ensure livestock feeds are in sealed containers. Fix dripping taps.
Clean up yard. Don't leave tin lying/timber lying around for snakes to shelter under
Snake proof dog enclosures – use a good quality chicken/bird netting
Keep grasses low so you can see snakes moving around in need
Don’t use poison as this could injure or kill native bird
Keep dogs on lead during warmer months and avoid areas with long grass and/or water
Training:
Teach a good recall so your dog wants to come back to you (before he/she sees a snake)
Practice a 'swap' or 'leave it' from uninteresting objects initially before moving onto something with higher value
Play games with your dog so being with you is always fun! The Counting Game, Runaway Game and Middle are good games to start with
Use high value smelly treats for training and have a selection in your treat pouch at all times
Try different types of reinforcement when training. What does your dog like most? Toys, balls, games, ropes, treats?
Start recalls in a non distracting environment before progressing to an area with more distractions
Use a long lead for safety when training outdoors and/or in an open area
If you have multiple dogs, train each dog separately before training them together
Never punish, no matter how long it takes your dog to return to you. He/she will learn that coming back to you is not a safe place to be
Contact snake catcher to remove the snake
Symptoms of a snake bite:
Paralysis (often hind limbs first)
Collapse/wobbly
Puncture wound (can be hard to see on furry dogs)
Dilated pupils. May be staring 'straight ahead'
Swelling of face and head
Salivation
Laboured breathing
shaking/tremours
dilated pupils
vomiting
Blood in urine
Coughing
Pale gums (mucous membranes)
In the event of a snake bite:
Get dog to Vet immediately. Call ahead and let them know you are coming
Keep dog as calm and still as possible
Don't cut the wound, such out the venom or tourniquet the limb
Don't touch the snake. Take a photo if possible for ID purposes
Don't wash the wound
If you see a snake in the vicinity of your dog, it is always a good idea to head over to the Vet for a checkup. Symptoms of snake bite may not always manifest immediately. Its better to be safe than sorry! Need a snake relocated? Orange Snake Catchers number - Jake - Ph: 0414 945 124
Bathurst Snake Catcher - Stef - Ph: 0477 997 361
Cheers, Toby xx