How to keep your pets safe from snakes!

We love the warm weather—but unfortunately, so do snakes. As snake activity rises during the hotter months, it’s crucial to protect our pets. This topic is especially close to our hearts, as we recently lost two beloved dogs to a brown snake bite. Their loss was devastating, but it’s a stark reminder of how dangerous snakes can be for our furry friends.

Here are some practical tips to minimize the risk of snake encounters, recognize the signs of a snake bite, and act quickly in an emergency. Let’s work together to keep your pets safe and prevent heartbreak.

1. KEEP YOUR YARD TIDY - Snakes love hiding in long grass, piles of debris, fire wood storage and under sheds. Make sure you minimise hiding spots around the house! 
2. SUPERVISE OUTDOOR TIME - Snakes are most active during early morning and late afternoon - generally, the times we like to go out and play with our pets. Make sure you stay vigilant and pay attention if your pet is particularly interested in a spot in the yard or on a leash free walk. 
3. SECURE PET FOOD - Uneaten pet food can attract rodents like mice and rates. These are the perfect food for a snake and will often in turn bring them by! Make sure you empty the bowls if your pet has finished eating and secure all food in mice proof containers. 
4. SNAKE DETERRENTS - Have you ever considered snake safe fencing or repellents around your yard? Snake safe fencing is a small mesh like material that will stop snakes from entering. You can also buy solar repellents for around your yard, however some simple plants like Marigold, Lemongrass, Lavender, Garlic, Onions and Mother-in-laws Tongue
5. KNOW THE SIGNS OF A BITE - Look out for sudden weakness, swelling or unusual behaviour and call the vet immediately if you see any of these signs or suspect a bite! Make sure you know your nearest emergency vet in case it is out of normal operating hours or weekends! 

Keeping your pets safe from snakes is a vital part of pet ownership in Australia, especially during the warmer months when snake activity is at its peak. By taking simple precautions—like maintaining a tidy yard, supervising outdoor time, and securing pet food—you can reduce the chances of a snake encounter.

We know firsthand how heartbreaking it is to lose a pet to a snake bite, and we hope these tips help prevent the same tragedy for your family. Together, we can create a safer environment for our beloved pets and enjoy the warm weather with peace of mind. 

Kate x