A common misconception is that snakes become more dangerous as the heat sets in, meaning that the height of summer is the most dangerous time for snakes. Actually, it's in spring and autumn when our pets are most at risk of being bitten.

The snake is a cold blooded critter and needs the sun's heat to warm its body up so it can move quickly.

During spring and autumn, our warm days and cool nights leave the snakes just slow enough that they will stay to fight predators rather than try to escape them.

A common question is "How quickly will the snake venom take to affect my pet?" The short answer is - it depends!

It depends on your pet, where it was bitten, how much venom did the snake inject into your pet, how big was the snake ... there are so many variables that we just do not know.

A pet can show symptoms immediately after a bite or they can manifest hours later. Our only advice is, if you suspect your pet has been bitten - get them to a vet quick.

The symptoms of a snakebite in dogs and cats vary enormously and can include sudden collapse with apparent recovery then relapse, staggering and trembling, dilated pupils, salivation, vomiting, distressed respiration, brown (or blood stained) urine and a worsening paralysis.

IN OTHER SNAKE NEWS:

The most common cause of death from a snake bite is paralysis of the lungs which can happen within one hour to 24 hours after the bite.

If you see your pet with a snake and suspect (even if you are just concerned and not sure), please seek veterinary attention immediately.

Call ahead and let the vet know you are on your way with a possible snake bite.

It may not seem like much, but a quick phone call sets the team into action to prepare to treat your pet as soon as they arrive.

Every minute counts when treating a snake bite. The sooner we can give your pet anti-venom, the better the chance of a good recovery.