Can a White-Crowned Snake Kill a Dog? [Guide]

Introduction

Snakes are often seen as scary animals which pose a threat to both humans and dogs alike, while this is true for many snakes the white-crowned snake is nothing to be afraid of. The white crowed snake has been the subject of some debate recently, especially in Australia. The truth is although the white-crowned snake’s venom is toxic, it’s actually not powerful enough to kill a dog. However, it is important to remember that many snake species can vary in color, pattern, and size, so all snake bites should be considered a medical emergency.

white crowned snake featured image

What Is a White-Crowned Snake?

Cacophis Harriette more commonly known as the White-crowned snake is a small venomous snake native to Australia more specifically New South Wales, Queensland.

Queensland is unique in the sense its home to a whopping 120 different species of snake and around 65-70 percent of these are venomous.

It gets its name from the white band of scales present on its head which looks similar to a crown. White-crowned snakes spend their days hiding under leaves and other ground debris, but come night emerge looking for food. They prefer damp places, so be alert for them under logs, rocks, and sometimes even compost bins. They are not aggressive by nature and usually look to avoid conflict with bigger animals such as dogs, cats, or humans. They are usually around 40cm in length growing up to around 56cm max.

white crowned snake picture

Can a White-Crowned Snake Kill a Dog

It’s highly unlikely that a white-crowned snake’s venom is toxic enough to kill a dog. Please note that just because it’s unlikely a white-crowned snake can kill a dog, it doesn’t mean that it cant inflict some serious damage. Like with all venomous snake bites, it’s likely to cause pain, swelling, and a variety of other unpleasant symptoms. If your dog has been bitten by a white-crowned snake it’s worth calling your local vet and possibly taking them for treatment anyway. 

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What to Do if Your Dog Is Bitten by a Snake

If your dog is bitten by a snake, it is important to act quickly. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Try to keep your dog as calm as possible, panicking and moving around quickly will increase blood flow which will help the venom spread.
  2. Try your best to identify the snake that bit your dog, so you can act accordingly.
  3. It’s most cases you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible, time is usually of the essence when it comes to dealing with snake bites so don’t delay.
What to do if your dog is bitten by a snake

Conclusion

While white-crowned snakes are not a threat to dogs in terms of their ability to kill them, they can still cause harm. If your dog is bitten by any snake, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. The sooner your dog receives treatment, the better its chances of recovery. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect your pets, you can help ensure their safety and well-being.