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A family’s close call with snakes – 3 dogs saved!

AEC Midland recently had a unique case that brought not one, not two, but three pets from the same family into emergency care for a snake bite. Winston, Gus, and Buddy, a spirited Dachshund and two lively Boxers, had a close encounter with an unidentified venomous snake. Their story is a powerful reminder of how quickly snake bites can turn dangerous.


The incident began when Winston, the Dachshund, was found in the backyard tangled up with a live snake. His owners didn’t wait! They rushed him to AEC Midland for immediate care. During the visit, they mentioned that their other two dogs, Gus and Buddy, had also been in the yard. Although Gus and Buddy seemed unaffected, AEC Midland’s team recommended they be checked, just to be safe.


As it turned out, this advice was crucial. When the owners returned home, they found Gus collapsed and Buddy showing signs of distress, hypersalivating – both classic indicators of snake envenomation. Acting quickly, the owners bundled the dogs into the car and brought them straight back to AEC Midland.

Upon arrival, the emergency team swiftly administered lifesaving antivenom. Over the next several days, all three dogs received close monitoring to ensure they responded well to treatment. Thanks to their owners’ quick response and the team’s skilled care, Winston, Gus, and Buddy made remarkable recoveries.

While not quite at full strength yet, the trio is steadily improving, and their owners are grateful to have all three dogs back home, safe and sound. This close call is a reminder of how important fast action is during snake season. The case of Winston, Gus, and Buddy shows that immediate veterinary care can truly be lifesaving.

Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe from Snakes

Keeping pets safe from snakes starts at home. Here are some proactive measures you can take to minimise risk:

  • Maintain your backyard: Keep grass cut short, clear away overgrown areas, and clean up any rubbish where snakes might hide.
  • Listen for warning signs: Birds often squawk persistently if a snake is nearby. If you hear this, bring your pets indoors.
  • Use a lead: When walking in long grass or bushland, always keep dogs on a lead. For cats, consider keeping them indoors or using a lead for outdoor time.
  • Reinforce You Recall Training: Having your dog come when called can be lifesaving. Spend a few moments reinforcing your training prior to summer
  • Know your nearest emergency vet: Knowing your closest emergency vet can save precious time in an emergency. 

Recognising Snake Bite Symptoms

Time is crucial when it comes to snake bites. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

  • Initial collapse followed by apparent recovery
  • Muscle tremors, shaking, or reduced blinking
  • Dilated pupils and hypersalivation
  • Lethargy and sudden weakness or wobbliness
  • Severe cases may lead to complete paralysis
  • Bleeding from the mouth, nose, or bite site, blood in urine, or unusually dark urine

If your pet shows any of these signs, seek veterinary help immediately. Never try to catch or identify the snake yourself, emergency veterinary hospitals are equipped with snake detection kits and antivenoms for multiple snake species.

This summer, take extra precautions and stay vigilant. 

Know your nearest emergency vet 

Pet emergencies can happen at any time. The Animal Referral & Emergency Network has emergency vets available 365 days a year, including public holidays. Find your nearest location here.