Octobers warmer weather has been enough to encourage the region’s venomous snakes out of hiding with numerous unsuspecting dogs already fallen victim to their lethal bite.

With winter behind us, Ballarat veterinarians are urging dog owners to be vigilant.

Ballarat Veterinary Practice veterinarian Dr Horace Tang said it was important dog owners paid particular attention to changes in their pets during the spring and summer seasons.

“We had such a cold winter, so as the weather warms up they (snakes) are getting hungry and becoming active,” he said.

“Dogs are inquisitive and often disturb the snakes because they want to play.

“But their venom is most poisonous early in the season and can actually be quite fatal.” 

He said often when a dog, or cat is bitten by a snake, symptoms can start to kick in as early as only minutes after the bite.

“A dog can deteriorate in half an hour,” he said.

Dr Tang said symptoms of a snake bite can consist of muscle weakness, collapse of their legs or swelling and pain at the area of the bite.

“Later on the signs may worsen to twitching, seizures, vomiting and paralyses and, some dogs may lose control of their bladder or have dilated pupils,” he said.

He said with snakes, including the Tiger and Brown snake species, common in Ballarat particularly in areas such as Delacombe and Alfredton, there were some precautions that can be put in place to reduce the possibility of a snake bite.

“Most snakes try and find rats and mice so we encourage people to clean their shed,” he said.

“They also hang around bushy areas and near water, so try and avoid walking your dog in really bushy areas.

“And try to mow your lawn often” He said anyone who believes their dog has been bitten should immediately take their dog to their closest vet, and avoid disturbing the snake any further.

Up to 15 dogs were bitten over the summer period in Ballarat last year.