LIFESTYLE NEWS - As the seasons change and the days grow longer and warmer, it's not just people becoming more active outdoors – snakes are too.

George Herald recently posted a video warning people about snake activity in the area and what to do when they come across one. 

But what happens when your faithful hound steps on a snake while you are exploring the mountains with him?

Snakes are unlikely to bite dogs, cats, and humans; however, if they are stepped on, attacked or provoked they may bite.

Local veterinarian Dr Christiaan Blignaut from George Animal Hospital gave some pointers. 

It is very important to identify the snake by taking photos and videos or even bringing the snake itself (if the snake is dead or captured).  

Accurate treatment relies on the identification. Snakes are divided into groups according to the venom they produce – cytotoxic venom (damages tissue), neurotoxic (affects the nervous system) and haemotoxic (affects blood).

• Make sure your animal has been bitten 

Bite sites are usually immediately visible as one or more small holes in the skin. Blood will also be seen and eventually swelling and pain. Sometimes there is a lot of excitement when dogs come into contact with snakes, but this does not necessarily mean that they have been bitten.

• Keep calm 

We often see how people's emotional actions cause them to make poor decisions, which can adversely affect their animals.  

• Keep the animal calm and limit movement   

If the animal gets excited, heart rate and breathing will increase, this can raise the animal's stress levels and more easily lead to shock and worsen symptoms.

• Immediately call a veterinarian 

After the snake has been identified, or photos have been taken, immediately call a veterinarian. Certain snake species are less harmful and may not require medical attention, whereas others are life-threatening emergencies. 

Please don't wait and see what happens, a few hours can be the difference between life and death.

The common snakebite cases we deal with are as follows:
Cytotoxic species: This is found in puff adders and night adders. The venom causes pain and swelling which can lead to respiratory distress and shock. Intensive veterinary treatment is required, which improves chances of survival.

Neurotoxic species: This is found in Cape Cobras, which are less common in the area than adders. This venom causes shortness of breath and various forms of paralysis in the body. If not treated it can lead to a coma and death. This is a very serious emergency and chances of survival are slim.

Neuro- and cytotoxic venom: This venom is found in Rinkhals (spit ends up in eyes which are very swollen and very painful) – need urgent veterinary help to limit eye damage, the chance of survival good.

Haemotoxic species: This venom is found in Boomslang and causes bleeding. Symptoms are only visible after 10 days when treatment is almost impossible. Action must be taken early to prevent symptoms.

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