Mozambique spitting cobra loses fight with dog

Pet owners must ensure their pets avoid confrontations with snakes at all times, KwaZulu-Natal snake rescuer Nick Evans says.

This follows an incident in which a Mozambique spitting cobra was attacked by a dog in Westville.

The dog was defending its home against the Mozambique spitting cobra, but it could have gone wrong for the dog as the snake is known for spraying its venom when confronted.

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“The dog, like almost all that attack this species, had venom sprayed in its eyes, but not before inflicting multiple bites on the snake,” said Evans on Tuesday.

“I went to pick up the metre-long cobra, but it died soon after. Most of the time, the defensive spitting method allows the cobra to get away. Clearly, though, not always.”

He commended the dog owners for correctly responding to the confrontation.

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“They got their dog away from the snake, tried rinsing the eyes out with water, then took it to a vet for further rinsing and eye drops.

“Never leave a dog to keep attacking a snake, and always rinse a dog’s eyes, which have received a dose of venom with water, not milk.”

People and snakes

While dogs cannot control themselves at the sight of snakes, Evans has previously called on people to be careful around the reptiles, as any confrontation could end badly for either the people involved or the reptile.

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“Please do not make doctors use up the precious, small supply of antivenom. I’m sure you’ve all read about the antivenom shortage,” said Evans on his Facebook page.

“Doctors and hospitals are trying to get whatever stock of South African polyvalent antivenom (which treats mambas, cobras and adders), and are even importing a brand from India.”

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