Yes, some tree snakes, like the Brown Tree Snake, are venomous and dangerous to dogs, causing paralysis and potentially death, requiring immediate vet care, while others, like Australia's Green Tree Snake, are non-venomous but can still bite defensively. The danger depends on the species, with venomous ones posing serious risks, even if bites seem minor initially; always treat any suspected snake bite seriously and seek urgent veterinary help.
Being a non-venomous species means that, while they can still bite dogs and cats, their bite will not critically injure your pet.
The Australian Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis Punctulata), often known as the Common Tree Snake or the Green Tree Snake, is a non-venomous species of snake native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. You'll recognise it by its slender build and large eyes.
In many cases, the animal may collapse or vomit / pass diarrhoea, or have funny breathing shortly after being bitten. The animal may then appear to recover…. but then signs gradually get worse. So if you see any of these immediate signs, it is a serious warning that your pet needs veterinary attention.
Dogs possess the ability to recognize potential dangers associated with snakes primarily through their visual system, rather than relying on their olfactory system.
Of all of the breeds of dogs trained, Dobermans excel in canine snake avoidance training more than the 'average' dog. Their extremely high intelligence allows them to recognise the purpose of canine snake avoidance training and they quickly learn what to do/not to do around snakes.
To repel snakes immediately, use strong scents they hate, like a spray of cinnamon/clove oil or vinegar, or create barriers with sulfur powder, chopped garlic/onions, or ammonia-soaked rags, as these irritate their senses and make them leave quickly. Focus application around entry points, water sources, and perimeters, but remember these need frequent reapplication, especially after rain, and you should also remove hiding spots and food sources (like rodents) for long-term control.
Signs of a snake bite include a bleeding puncture wound (or two near each other), bruising and sloughing of the skin over the bitten area, bleeding that does not stop, pain, swelling of the bitten area, reddening, weakness, collapse, vomiting, paralysis, twitching, drooling, seizures, and signs of shock.
While it's not entirely conclusive that snakes will stay away from doggos and that doggos can keep them away, it's obvious that, due to a canine's insane sense of smell and hearing, they're the perfect snake hunters.
Snake venom attacks your pet's blood clotting system, destroying platelets and the proteins that help blood clot normally. This can lead to dangerous bleeding anywhere in the body, and can sometimes be severe enough to require blood transfusions. Without treatment, this can become life-threatening very quickly.
So what does actually work?
Queensland is home to the largest number of snake species in Australia — about 120. Of those, two-thirds are venomous and a handful are deadly. Throughout Australia, fatalities from snake bites remain extremely rare — about two a year — and in Queensland, the reptiles are simply a part of life.
General description: Sleek slender body with long, very thin tail. Distinctive ridge extends along outer edges of belly making shed skins easily identifiable. Wide colour ranges from green, olive, brown & black to rare blue-grey on upper body.
Garter snakes produce a mild venom but are not dangerous to dogs or cats.
Despite popular belief, snakes do not actively hunt or chase humans. Most species prefer to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary conflict, so they will usually retreat if given space.
These snakes are harmless to humans, they have no venom and are not aggressive. They live in rainforests, open forests and rural areas and can be found in urban gardens. Green tree snakes are active by day and feed on frogs, fish and small reptiles. They have large eyes and keen eyesight.
Let's also remember that most dogs have good hunting skills and natural instincts when it comes to sensing danger, and chances are that they can smell snakes.
The "3-second rule" for dogs has two main meanings: for greetings, it's a short, sniff-and-separate technique (sniff for 3 seconds, then walk away) to keep initial meetings positive, preventing over-arousal or conflict, and for training, it's the maximum time (3 seconds) to give a dog to respond to a command before repeating it or redirecting, ensuring they connect the action to the consequence. It's also used with petting to give dogs choice: pet for 3 seconds, pause, and see if they solicit more attention.
Terrier Dog Canine Snake Avoidance
They are known for their ability to hunt close to the ground and enter burrows/warrens. Terriers are well known to be high energy, tenacious and can be fiesty. They are a favourite pet for many dog owners due to their cute appearance and determined personality.
Some of the most common treatments for snake bites on dogs include:
Yes, the venom of the brown tree snake can be dangerous to dogs and cats. It is important to seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect your pet has been bitten by a brown tree snake.
Immediate Signs of a Snake Bite
Dogs may yelp or cry, trying to lick or paw at the wound. Typically, a snake bite will create two puncture wounds, which can sometimes be hidden under fur but may show signs of bleeding or bruising. This initial response is your first clue that a bite has occurred.
To lure a snake out, use a combination of heat, moisture, and food, placing a warm, humid hide with a scented mouse bait (like a pinkie) in a ventilated container near its hiding spot, or use gentle vibrations/sound (like a gentle fan or knocking) to encourage movement, but often patience is key as snakes are cautious. For lost pets, setting up a trap with a heat source and food near its suspected location is effective.
A snake's biggest enemies are a diverse group of predators, with the mongoose, honey badger, and various raptors (like eagles, secretary birds) being top contenders due to their speed, fearlessness, and specialized hunting skills; even other snakes, like kingsnakes, prey on them. These predators exploit a snake's vulnerability to swift attacks, often targeting their heads and relying on speed or natural defenses against venom to win confrontations.
They hibernate in winter, and emerge when the weather warms up. Springtime is the most active and stressful time for the snake. It is hungry after hibernation, needs to shed its skin, and reproduce. This is the most likely time our pets may come in contact with them, but it can happen very late into Autumn as well.