As we know in Australia, as the weather gets warmer, the snakes come out.

Although it's unlikely that a snake will WANT to bite your dog, it WILL attack if it feels threatened. Dogs have natural hunting instincts and are likely to go after a snake if they spot it in the yard.

It can be nearly impossible to spot a snake bite on your dog as it will only be 2 small holes that can be very difficult to spot through the fur. However, your dog will usually show other symptoms to let you know something has happened, these include:

• Collapse followed by apparent recovery.
• Lethargy.
• Muscle tremors, shaking, and reduced eye blinking.
• Dilated pupils.
• Sudden weakness or wobbliness.
• Complete paralysis.
• Inability to control bladder and bowels.
• Irregular bleeding from the nose, bite site, and mouth.
• Discoloured, dark urine (often bloody)

Here are the steps to take if you have seen or believe your dog has been bitten by a snake:

• Although it's scary, it’s important to not panic. Keep you and your dog calm.
• Seek veterinary assistance immediately.
• Phone your local vets and let them know you are on your way (in case they do not stock snake anti-venom they will be able to point you towards a vet that does)
• If you know where your dog has been bitten, a firm bandage above, below, and over the site of the bite. This will assist in stopping the venom from spreading to the heart.
• Attempt to reduce your dog’s movement and activity.

The most effective way of preventing a snake bite is to avoid a snake entering your dog’s space, this can be helped by:

1. Keeping your grass short.
2. Avoid overgrown walking trails.
3. Keep scrubby and bushy areas cleared and pruned.
4. Remove potential food sources that bring in rodents, as rodents are top food sources for snakes.