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HOBSONS Bay Veterinary Clinic has advised pet owners to make their backyards less attractive to snakes as the weather warms up.
Veterinary nurse Wendy Black said many clients at the Newport clinic had recently seen snakes across the municipality.
“There have been a number of sightings of snakes in the Hobsons Bay area in the last month,” she said.
“To make your backyard less attractive for snakes to visit, keep your yard tidy.
“Snake catchers who visit homes to remove snakes say they are often presented with backyards that are overgrown or there are piles of bricks, wood or corrugated iron lying around – which are great places for snakes to hide.”
Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to capture or harm them.
Ms Black said anyone needing a snake removed from their property should contact a licensed reptile removalist.
“Signs your dog might have been bitten by a snake are a sudden onset of illness including trembling, weakness, vomiting and collapse,” she said.
“If not treated, snakebite is fatal. Cats are different to dogs and don’t show such a sudden onset of illness.
“They are often more quiet than normal for no reason so it’s more difficult to know if they have been bitten, a blood test will confirm if they have.”
“Take your dog or cat to your vet as soon as possible for treatment with snake anti-venom.”
Ms Black said vets did not need to see the snakes and people should not try to catch the snakes which had bitten their pets.
Residents who spot a snake can call the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) on 136 186 or a licensed snake catcher.
