The RSPCA has issued a snake warning for Maitland pet owners with three cases of snake bite already recorded this season at its Rutherford vet clinic.
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Last year the clinic received 10 cases of snake bite injuries.
"So far in 2019, three cases have come through the doors, but as the weather starts to warm up the so does the chance of more snake bite injuries presenting themselves to our veterinary team," an RSPCA spokesperson said.
"In the warmer summer months, snakes become much more active and pet owners need to be careful and safeguard their pets from snake bites, plus look out for the warning signs should an animal be bitten.
"Dogs will often try to chase or kill snakes resulting in snake bites usually to the dog's face and legs.
"Cats, being hunters and chasing anything that moves, are also quite susceptible to snake bites," the spokesperson said.
The sort of reaction your pet has to a snake bite is determined by a number of factors: The type of snake, the amount of venom injected and the site of the snake bite.
Generally the closer the bite is to the heart the quicker the venom spreads to the rest of the body.
"In addition, at the beginning of summer, snakes' venom glands are fuller and their bites are much more severe.
Pets can present with lower motor neurone paralysis, prolonged or excessive bleeding, rupturing of red blood cells and muscular weakness. Other signs of snake bite include drooling, trembling, vomiting, collapse, swollen and painful bites around the head, neck or front legs.
"If you think your pet has been bitten by a snake you should keep them calm and quiet and take them to a vet immediately.
"The chances of recovery are much greater if your pet is treated early, with some pets making a recovery within 48 hours," the spokesperson said.
Last year in NSW 584 pets were bitten by snakes - the highest number of casualties out of all states and territories in the country.
