Durban – In two snake/pet conflict incidents involving Mozambique spitting cobras and dogs in Queensburgh and Westville last week, both pets were sprayed with venom and one of the snakes were killed.
After a quiet August, snake rescuer Nick Evans said he was called out twice in the first week of September.
He said as snake season began, snake/pet encounters were to be expected.
Evans said he received two calls last week, one in Queensburgh and the other in Westville, both involving Mozambique spitting cobras.
He said one cobra escaped thanks to its trusty defence mechanism, while the inquisitive dog was left in pain.
“A lovely Africanis in Westville, who approached the wrong snake, made a full recovery thanks to actions taken by the owner.”
Evans said the cobra in Queensburgh was no match for a Jack Russell, however.
“The other (cobra) couldn't hold back a feisty Jack Russell, which ended the snake's life.”
Unfortunately, he said, the snake sprayed venom in the dog’s eyes, but it recovered.
“Both owners rinsed their pets’ eyes out with water – the right thing to do.”
Evans added that he was informed of a night adder bite in the Upper Highway area on Monday.
He advised pet owners to keep their pets away from snakes encountered at their homes.
“Although they're often the ones to find the snake first. In the event of a bite, please rush the pet to a vet.”
Evans said Hillcrest, Westville and Ashburne (Durban North) veterinary clinics usually had antivenom.