Pet owners need to stay on alert and keep their home well maintained to avoid attracting snakes into the yard.

“Owners should clean up rubbish, cut the grass and foliage around the yard and fence and eradicate vermin,” Dr Melville-Smith said.

“With some preparation we could make 2010 another good year.

“Reduce the hiding places for snakes and make sure there is no food around for vermin such as rats and mice.

“Repair your fences as this will keep your dog confined and avoid council fines for having a dog wandering at large, but will dramatically reduce the chance of your dog coming across a snake and being bitten.”

He said snakes emerged from hibernation “fully envenomated and hungry” around early summer with brown snakes accounted for almost 100 per cent of bites.

“Terriers and jack russells are most at risk from snakebites as they go looking for things to chase and kill.”

He explained how you will know if your pet has been bitten.

“Usually you will hear the noise of your dog barking and attacking the snake, you may find a dead snake and your dog will have blood around the mouth from the kill. “Check your dog over for any signs of injuries; often the bite wound will be hard to see.

“If you suspect your dog has been bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

“If you elect to wait and see, a dog bitten by a snake will become quiet, wobbly in the hind legs which rapidly spreads to the front legs before they die.”

According to the Australian Veterinary Association, although snakebites can be deadly, rapid treatment with the appropriate anti-venom can be a very effective treatment if done quickly.

Luckily there have been no reported snake attacks on cats so far.

“Since cats in Roxby Downs have to be registered, desexed and kept confined we have seen no cats that have been bitten by snakes in 2009,” he said.

“It is an innovative move by the Roxby Downs Council that has paid big dividends to our enjoyment of cats as pets.”

Dr Andrew Melville-Smith says if your pet has been bitten and you are unable to get to a vet straight away, the best thing to do is to keep the pet quiet.

“Apply a bandage to the bite wound where possible and find someone who can take them to the vet, ring the vet immediately on 0419 806 392.”