As the weather warms up, so do reptiles. Snakes are now on the move and slithering into our backyards. In our area the most common snake seen is the red-bellied black snake. There are also smaller numbers of brown snakes and tiger snakes. 

If your dog or cat does encounter a snake and are bitten it is very important to seek assistance straight away, even if your pet is not showing any signs of envenomation. If they have been bitten on a limb a compression bandage can be applied to reduce the absorption and circulation of the venom. Do not try and remove the venom or apply a tornique. 

The signs of snake bite vary according to the type of snake and the amount of venom injected. Brown Snakes and Tiger Snakes have a very potent neurotoxin in their venom which causes a rapid paralysis which will quickly lead to paralysis or the respiratory muscles and death. It is really important to get immediate veterinary help. 

Do You have this plant in your yard?

This is a species of Brunfelsia which goes by the common name of Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow.

While Driving around Dapto I have noticed that more and more people have this plant it their yard. It has beautiful purple flowers that then change to white. There are lots of varieties which vary in their shape and height but there is one thing they all share in common- they are toxic to dogs.

How do the dogs get poisoned

For some reason dogs like to eat this plant. They will eat the leaves, branches, cuttings, flowers and seeds. When they ingest it they develop diarrhoea, salivation and neuroloical changes such as twitching, seizures and this can in some cases lead to death.