Raiyan Shahab, a Veterinarian at Griffith Veterinary Hospital has seen this year bring snake bite patients through her doors even outside of 'typical' snake season.

"This year has been a bit unusual for us," Ms Shahab said.

"We have seen them scattered throughout the year, even throughout the supposedly quieter months."

Contrary to what is commonly thought, snakes do not usually go looking for a fight with pets.

Bites will most likely occur when a pet itself disturbs the snake.

"Usually snake bites occur when a dog or cat sees the snake, thinks it's fun, wants to play with it and inevitably ends up getting bitten," Ms Shahab explained.

"Snakes aren't usually coming out to attack pets. They are very much happy to do their own thing and stay out of the way," Ms Shahab said.

Ms Shahab explained that the best thing that pet owners can do to avoid their pets succumbing to snake bites is to keep an eye on what their pet is up to, particularly outside.

"If you notice any symptoms like weakness or paralysis-like symptoms in the back legs, dilated pupils, excess saliva or vomitting, call your vet straight away," Ms Shahab advised.

To maximise your pet's chances of survival it's crucial to get to a vet as soon as possible after a suspected snake bite.

Ms Shahab recommended that even if you suspect that your pet may have been bitten, but aren't too sure, call your vet anyway.

"There are some cases where pets have shown some symptoms but later appear to be fine which leads owners to think it's nothing to worry about," Ms Shahab said.

"This is where it is absolutely necessary to bring your pet in, because when they show symptoms and then seem to recover, it indicates that they have had a lethal envenomation," Ms Shahab warned.

If you suspect your furry family member has been bitten, or is showing symptoms of a snake bite, contact your family's vet as quickly as possible.

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