IPSWICH pet owners are being urged to prepare for an increase in snake encounters as warmer spring weather brings reptiles out of hiding and raises the risk of potentially deadly encounters with dogs and cats.
Local snake catchers Kurt and Nat from Ipswich Snake Catchers said snakes were already becoming more active as temperatures climbed, with residents encouraged to take some simple precautions around their homes.
“As the weather warms up, snakes start becoming more active again, and that naturally increases the chances of our pets crossing paths with one,” they said.
“Most snakes aren’t looking for trouble. They’re usually just moving through looking for food, water, shelter or a mate, particularly as breeding season begins.”
Nationwide, Queensland records the highest number of snakebite insurance claims according to RSPCA Pet Insurance, with claims around twice as common during spring and summer.
For Ipswich households, Kurt and Nat said one of the best defences started before a snake ever appeared.
“Keep the grass down and try not to leave piles of timber, sheets of tin or other clutter lying around,” they said.
“Those areas can provide shelter not only for snakes, but also for rodents and other animals that snakes feed on.”
Pet owners should be particularly vigilant when dogs and cats are exploring long grass, garden beds, creek lines, bushland and other areas where it can be difficult to see what is lurking nearby.
If a snake does appear, Kurt and Nat said the most important thing was to keep pets away rather than allowing them to investigate.
“If you see a snake in the yard, get your pets inside or secure them somewhere safely away from it,” they said.
“If it is safe, keep an eye on where the snake goes because that gives your snake catcher the best possible chance of locating and relocating it.”
While snakes are among the most serious risks facing pets as Ipswich warms up, they are not the only spring danger owners need to watch.
Paralysis ticks are another potentially deadly threat, particularly in tick-prone areas.
Owners are encouraged to check dogs and cats carefully after they have been outdoors and maintain a tick-prevention program recommended by their veterinarian.
Rising temperatures also bring the threat of heatstroke, a potentially fatal emergency that can lead to rapid organ failure.
