Durban, South Africa (29 October 2025) – While our phones are perfect for capturing adorable pet moments, there is one critical situation where they should stay in your pocket. When your dog encounters a snake, recording the interaction can be a fatal mistake....Click to Read More >>➤

Dr. Carla Goede, a Durban veterinarian and reptile advocate, has repeatedly witnessed the tragic consequences of owners filming these dangerous encounters instead of intervening. The desire to capture a dramatic ‘snake vs dog’ video often ends in preventable loss.

Local snake-catching teams in Durban report approximately 80 venomous bites in dogs annually. Many of these pets do not survive, primarily because delayed action reduces their chances of reaching veterinary care in time. This hesitation also increases the danger for snake catchers responding to the scene.

The Perils of Filming Over Acting

Dr. Goede emphasizes that a passive response has dire outcomes for both animals. “The owner does not follow these steps, and films the snake vs dog conflict through a window instead,” she explains. “The result is almost always two casualties – one dog that dies, and one injured or dead snake.”

She stresses that immediate intervention is key to survival. “By keeping an eye on your dog rather than your phone screen, you are giving two innocent animals a decent chance of survival,” says Dr. Goede, who is currently completing her master’s through the University of Pretoria.

South Africa hosts an incredible diversity of snakes. However, urban development, warmer climates, and increasing rodent populations in suburban areas are making snake encounters more frequent around homes. Snakes are never out to get you or your pets intentionally. They strike defensively when they feel threatened or cornered.

A dog’s natural curiosity or protective instinct often leads to a bite on the head or neck. Venom spreads rapidly from these areas, much faster than from a bite on a human limb. This accelerated venom circulation is why many dogs do not reach life-saving treatment in time.

Why Snake Awareness Matters

Promoting snake awareness protects more than just domestic pets. Snakes provide essential ecosystem services, such as controlling rodent populations and maintaining biodiversity. When dogs and snakes clash, the outcome is typically fatal for both, and neither animal deserves such a fate.

Dr. Goede’s essential advice for dog owners is straightforward: Act, don’t film. Her guidelines are designed for swift, effective response.

First, safely remove your dog from the vicinity of the snake without endangering yourself. Second, transport your dog to a veterinary facility equipped to handle snakebites immediately; time is a critical factor. Finally, contact a qualified snake catcher to ensure the safe and professional relocation of the snake.

Preventative measures are equally important. Maintain tidy gardens, keep dogs on leashes in bushy areas, and learn to identify the venomous snakes native to your region. Proactive steps significantly reduce the risk of an encounter.

If a snake does enter your yard, your prompt and calm action is the most powerful tool you have. Choosing to intervene can save two lives, ensuring both your beloved pet and a vital part of our ecosystem are given a chance to survive. Remember, snakes are never out to get you; they are simply defending themselves. Your awareness and quick response make all the difference.