BACK from the brink of death, Jack Russell Jazz's survival story is a reminder that snake season is in full swing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bitten by a brown snake, Jazz had to be given antivenom and put on a ventilator to survive.
Pet Insurance Australia has already had six claims due to animals falling victim to snake bites, and Greencross Veterinary Clinic veterinarian Stephanie Sheppard has treated at least five cases.
"It really ramps up through spring and summer," she said.
"We most commonly see brown or black snake invenomation here, symptoms include vomiting, muscle weakness, collapse, dilated pupils, discoloured or blood in the urine and bleeding from the mouth.
"A lot of dogs will die without treatment."
Snake season starts in spring when they slither out looking to breed and source food.
Read also:
Australia is home to the world's most venomous snakes and sees about 3000 snake bites each year.
One vial of antivenom can cost between $500 and $1000, the most Dr Sheppard has had to use is 11 vials on one animal.