Katanning vet Kate Clayton has warned cat and dog owners to be vigilant after treating five animals with anti-venom medication for snakebites.

She said as the weather warmed up, snakes were coming out of hibernation and, being at their most hungry, were also at their most venomous.

“It’s snake season and we have had multiple dogs and cats which have been bitten,” she said.

Dr Clayton, who runs practices in Katanning and Kojonup, said there was no first aid pet owners could attempt if they thought a pet had been bitten, and they should get to a vet as quickly as possible.

“Outcomes can depend on whether it was a dry bite — where no venom was released — and whether the snake has fed recently,” she said.

“If they have not eaten, the venom is more potent.

“We have treated five pets so fa

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