We have seen several patients come into see our team at the Leeton Veterinary Hospital this season already.

The Riverina has three types of venomous snakes - the Eastern Brown, the Red-Bellied Black and the Tiger Brown snake.

Our pets are by nature curious critters that also love to play and protect their humans. By this very nature, is why snakes make such interesting, yet dangerous play things to our animals.

As the snakes are only just coming out of hibernation, they will generally have more venom in their glands at this time of year.

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These cooler nights make the snakes slower than they are in the full summer heat and this will cause them to strike out at any threat, rather than to try and flee from an attacking dog or cat.

Several factors will determine what sort of reaction your pet has to a snake bite.

The type of snake, the size of the snake, when the snake last ate, how much venom was injected as well as where your pet was bitten.

Dogs and cats are most often bitten around the head and limbs.

Usually the closer the bite is to the heart the quicker the venom will be absorbed into the pet's system and distributed around the body.

Signs that you may see after a snake bite can be:

You will most likely not be able to find a bite wound on your pet. The snakes' fangs are needle like in size and with a hairy dog or cat, bite sites are rarely found.

Occasionally, a small amount of blood or some localised swelling or bruising can be found but this is rare. It is best not to look for a bite wound, just get your pet seen to ASAP.

If you suspect that your pet may have been bitten by a snake, do not delay.

Every second counts when it comes to saving your pet from a snake bite.

You must get your pet to a veterinarian immediately.

You must also phone ahead to let the vet team know that you are on your way - if the team know you are coming, the team can be ready to treat your pet straight away.

The sooner your pet is treated, the better their chances of survival.