As the weather warms up, so do the risks for our furry family members. From cane toads and snakes to bees and spiders, curious pets can easily find themselves in danger.
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make all the difference while you’re on the way to the vet.
🐸 Cane Toad Poisoning – Act Fast!
Cane toad toxins can be life-threatening for dogs and cats. If you suspect exposure –
- Rinse the mouth immediately using a damp cloth or running water but avoid forcing water down their throat. Gently trickle water from a hose sideways to wash mouth thoroughly.
- Wipe gums and tongue gently with a wet cloth for several minutes to remove as much toxin as possible.
- Keep your pet calm and take to a vet if showing any of the following symptoms: (drooling, shaking, vomiting, disorientation).
TIP: Keep a small bottle of Colloidal Silver in your first-aid kit to help soothe irritation and cleanse the mouth after exposure.
Keeping Cane Toads Away Naturally
- Eliminate standing water – empty buckets, pots, and pet bowls overnight to remove breeding spots.
- Keep lights low at night – toads are drawn to insects, and insects love bright lights.
- Fence off access to pet areas – short mesh barriers (15–20 cm high) can stop toads hopping into kennels or play areas.
- Collect safely – if you must remove toads, wear gloves and use humane collection methods such as freezing or call a local wildlife service.
- Avoid insecticide sprays – these disrupt natural predators that help control toad populations.
🐍 Snake Bites – Stay Calm, Move Fast
Snake bites can cause rapid paralysis or collapse.
- Keep your pet still and quiet to slow venom circulation.
- Do not wash, cut, or suck the wound.
- Apply pressure bandaging (if on a limb) and get to the vet immediately.
- Call ahead so the clinic can prepare antivenom.
Natural support after veterinary care may include gentle detoxification tonics, immune boosters, and herbal blends and high dose vitamin C to help aid recovery.
Keeping Snakes Away Naturally
- Keep grass short & tidy – snakes love long grass, leaf piles, and clutter for hiding.
- Remove pet food bowls after feeding – leftover food attracts rodents, which in turn attract snakes.
- Seal entry points – check around doors, under sheds, and garden edges for gaps.
- Use natural repellents – snakes dislike strong scents such as clove oil, cinnamon, or sulphur granules (use sparingly around pets).
- Encourage natural deterrents – guinea fowl, chickens, or even a well-fenced cat run can help keep snakes from settling in.
- Stay vibration-friendly – snakes are sensitive to ground vibrations, so regular movement, foot traffic, or mowing helps discourage them.
Other Common Summer Dangers
🐝🐜 Bees, Wasps or Ants: Cool the area with a cold pack. Apply a soothing gel like Heal-All Cream or OxyEze Skin Spray to help reduce swelling.
🕷️ Spiders (especially redbacks): Seek vet help urgently. You can gently bathe the area with Colloidal Silver or Hyper-Cal solution (hypericum & calendula) while waiting for treatment.
🪳 Ticks: Always check your pet after outdoor walks. Use natural repellents like Neempet Pet & Equine Spray or Greenpet Herbal Coat Oil to help repel from dogs or Neempet Cat Spray for cats.
Keeping Them Away Naturally
- Bees & Wasps – cover compost bins and remove fallen fruit to avoid attracting colonies near the house.
- Spiders – keep outdoor lights off when possible and sweep away webs; use peppermint or citrus sprays near entryways.
- Ticks – keep vegetation trimmed and use natural supplements like Fleedom to help reduce risk.
Build Your Pet First Aid Kit
A few essentials to keep on hand –
Ask Our Naturopath
Want to know which natural remedies can support recovery after toxin exposure or bites?
Ask Our Naturopath for personalised advice to keep your pet safe and healthy this summer.
