Snake warning after dog bitten by red bellied black snake in Waterworth Park, Earlwood

A WOMAN has recounted how she saved her dog’s life after it was bitten by a red belly black snake, and has issued a warning to other pet owners.

AN EARLWOOD resident has warned fellow pet owners to keep pets away from long grass after her dog was bitten by a poisonous snake.

Danielle Aiken was walking her dog Kira off-leash at Waterworth Park near the Cooks River when the dog detected something in the grass and ran over to investigate.

“I chased after her and it was low tide so it was quite muddy in the riverbank and I just saw a big red belly black snake there flailing about in the mud and Kira is jumping around this snake thinking it’s a game,” Mrs Aiken said.

She could not tell if the dog was bitten due to her thick coat but did not want to risk the possibility. She called her vet who said come in for tests.

The snake season is here and people should be aware of snakes, such as the brown snakes, near homes.

Mrs Aiken is warning other pet owners of poisonous snakes after her dog was attacked.

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“I started driving in to my vet but on the way Kira started vomiting,” Mrs Aiken said.

“She brought up her last meal but then it turned into this white froth and she started shaking and not acting right ... I’m glad I erred on that side of caution and took her in straight away.”

Her vet referred her to the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Camden that stocks anti-venoms.

A red-bellied black snake at Catherine Field.

“I was really worried, it’s afternoon peak hour traffic and I’m trying to get her there fast, I’m crying, I swear everyone must’ve thought I was a crazy lady,” she said.

Kira was in a critical condition when she arrived at the hospital but responded well to antivenene.

Vets told Mrs Aiken now is a very dangerous time, as the snakes have been hibernating all winter and their fangs are full of potent venom having been stored for months.

Snakes will only attack if hurt or provoked.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service warned residents to treat all snakes they encounter as venomous and not to interfere with them. People should report sightings to the service, police or WIRES.

“More people are bitten by snakes while trying to kill them rather than by leaving them alone,” wildlife management officer Geoff Ross said.