Three dogs, that were temporarily blinded after they were attacked by a Mozambican spitting cobra, had to be rushed to a vet in Verulam on Wednesday.
Prem Balram, spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), said officers were called out to Everest Heights where a homeowner had requested assistance after the snake lunged at the family pets.
“Our area manager and snake catcher, Nathi Ndaba, was immediately dispatched and identified the snake as a highly venomous Mozambican spitting cobra. He captured the reptile and released it into a dense bush,” said Balram.
The dogs were treated by the vet and had recovered from their ordeal.
Snake catcher, Nick Evans, said while there was not much snake activity in winter, it was still warm in Durban, so there might be snake encounters.
He urged residents to be wary of snakes, especially around their dogs.
“All snakes don't attack dogs. Due to dogs being protective of their properties and their owners, they would attack the snake. Spitting cobras have the best defensive ability of being able to spray their venom. A large snake like the one that was caught by Rusa officers can probably spray their venom up to three metres,” Evans said.
He added that spitting cobras sprayed their venom - which would cause burning pain and temporary blindness - so that they could escape.
“It's an animal with pepper spray. It is genius but not pleasant for dogs and snake removers. Cats generally know which snakes to avoid but they do get spat at, even if they keep a distance from the snake. Cobras would move away from dogs if they could and they would try to get away. If they get cornered or the dog grabs the tail, the snake would turn and spit. They do this so they are able to get away. Most snakes are killed by dogs, even large black mambas."
When a cobra spits at an animal or human, Evans said it felt as if you had been pepper sprayed, as the venom affected the vision.
“It is very painful but it does not mean a dog or you will go blind. Generally, you rinse the eyes out with water if you can. A hose pipe with low pressure, or bottled water would do. You need to rinse the eyes and whole face. Open the dog's eye, like with a human, and get the water inside to flush the venom out. Go to a vet afterwards for eye drops. It is the same treatment for people."