According to PetSure data, pets being bitten by snakes is more common than you would think. 

Snakes become more active in spring and early summer. As the weather warms, pets tend to wander further afield, sometimes finding themselves in a territory where they are at risk of a snake bite.  

How common are snake bite claims and what are the costs?

In 2022, PetSure data shows the average cost for treatment of a snake bite condition in dogs was $1,950 and the maximum cost was $25,373. The average cost for treatment of a snake bite condition in cat was $2,200, and maximum cost is $10,168.  

Snake bite conditions generally peak from October to December every year, during the warmer months of the year.  

Treatment

The main effects of Australian snake venom are lower motor neurone paralysis, prolonged or excessive bleeding, the rupturing of red blood cells (haemolysis) and muscular weakness. 

Unfortunately, treatment can be costly. Anti-venom, hospitalisation and necessary supportive care will be required, and in some instances, ventilation will be needed to assist the pet to breathe. The associated intensive care costs can be thousands of dollars. In fact, where ventilation is used claims costs are more expensive. 

Many vets now have access to mechanical ventilators, and can refer these cases to emergency and referral hospitals. Animals on ventilators may require multiple vials of anti-venom, which also increases the cost of treatment. Up to 10 vials could be used on some dogs in order to save their lives. 

Tips to help protect your pet from snakes

While prevention is always better than the cure, it is not always possible to keep your inquisitive pets safe. However, there are some basic things you can do that may help. 

  1. Avoid walking in long, grassy areas (especially in the warmer months). 
  1. Keep your dog on a leash to prevent them from approaching snakes. 
  1. Keep your backyard clean of rubbish and keep the grass short. 
  1. Look for the signs of a snake bite. Most pets get bitten around the head, neck or front legs. You may see the bite site and it may be swollen and painful. Other signs include weakness in the back legs, drooling, trembling or vomiting. Your pet may collapse initially and then be normal shortly afterwards. 
  1. If you think your pet may have been bitten by a snake, take them to your nearest vet as soon as possible. 

Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.

Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.