As snake season slithers into the Mid North Coast, there have been a number of snake bite incidents reportedly involving pets.
Reptile Solutions owner and snake catcher, Stuart Johnson, said he was aware of three incidents that had occurred, two of which resulted in the deaths of dogs.
"In the three that I'm currently aware of, they all involve red-bellied black snakes, which are our most commonly encountered and widespread species," he said.
"Outside of the brown snake, it's our largest venomous snake in this region."
The warmer weather means the number of snakes emerging from their winter slumber on the Mid North Coast will increase as they seek out mates and food.
Mr Johnson said that despite Australia having more than its fair share of highly venomous snakes, fatalities arising from snake bites in this country are proportionately low by comparison.
Much of that can be attributed to the availability of medical treatment that isn't as readily available in some other nations that have high snake populations.
He said if people encounter a snake, it is advised to keep still until the snake has moved on.
"If you're bitten or even suspect to having been bitten, remain still - you want to do as little movement as possible.
"Apply a firm elasticised bandage or a pressure immobilisation bandage to the whole extent of the limb that's been bitten, and it is suggested to apply that about as firmly as you would for a sprain.
"It's then a matter of seeking medical attention as quickly as possible."
According to Mr Johnson, snake bites in pets are often more common than in humans, partly due to the inquisitive nature of animals and their heightened sense of smell.
"A dog's sense of smell is far superior to ours, and distinctive animal scents can be incredibly intriguing for them," he said.
He said this can lead to a bite if the snake has taken refuge in a garden or under a plant.
"In those moments, the dog doesn't realise it's literally headbutting a snake that's trying to hide," he said.
According to Mr Johnson, symptoms of a snake bite in dogs and cats can vary but commonly include trembling or shaking, muscle twitching, vomiting, salivating more than usual, agitation, difficulty breathing, weakness or paralysis, pale gums, dilated pupils, blood in the urine and a sudden collapse
"One of the big things I really do emphasise is that we often see a case where the dog collapses really quickly after being bitten, and then suddenly seems to recover," he said.
"People think the worst is over and don't go to the vet. But then there's often a secondary collapse minutes or hours later, and at that point, treatment is more difficult and less effective."
If a snake bite is suspected, Mr Johnson said time is critical.
"Try and keep the pet as calm and as still as possible, just like we would with a human bite," he said. "Where possible, apply pressure immobilisation if the bite is on a limb."
He said locating the bite can be tricky, especially with thick fur or facial bites, which are common.
"In many cases, the bite site is around the face, particularly if the dog or cat was trying to catch or sniff at the snake," he said. "It can be hard to find the bite site, but localised swelling or licking at a specific area might give you a clue."
Mr Johnson advised against letting the pet walk after being bitten.
"If you're out on a walk and you suspect a bite, carrying the dog is best if you can," he said. "My personal approach would be to keep the dog calm, pick it up, and be on the phone to the nearest vet while making your way there."
He encouraged owners to have an action plan in place before an incident happens.
"It's a good idea to have a list of local vets in your phone - not just your usual one. Know who's closest to the places you walk, whether that's at the beach or around town."
He said pet owners can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of snake bites, including keeping dogs on leashes in natural areas, avoiding long grass and overgrown paths, keeping backyards tidy and free of clutter, sticking to designated walking tracks and watching pets closely when outdoors.
"I strongly recommend people keep dogs on leashes, especially around beaches, walking tracks and dunes," he said. "There's a lot of wildlife in those areas, and we don't want dogs disturbing it - that's often when bites happen."
Despite the risks, Mr Johnson said it was important to stay informed rather than fearful.
"It's a case of being alert, but not alarmed," he said. "Snakes don't just pop out of nowhere - they're always here. But by being mindful of where we are and what we're doing, we can reduce the risks."
"Keep your property clear, carry first aid on walks, wear appropriate clothing, and always be aware of where your pets are."