Preventing snakes from biting your pet - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Pet owners beware. Snakes have awakened from their winter slumber and they're not friendly. Local veterinarians say they've seen a surge in the number of pets being treated for snake bites.

Pets, especially dogs, have a natural curiosity.  Now that the warmer weather has arrived, snakes may be the object of that interest.

Jasmine is a Chihuahua mix and a lap dog. However, in the backyard of her Decatur home, she may have gotten a little too friendly with a local resident.

"I found her crouched in an unusual place just sitting there. And I said Jas, ‘Come in. Come in the house, come in the house,'" said Sylvia Kyle.

Jasmine didn't move. She couldn't bear any weight on her back legs. The Kyles immediately took her to the vet and found out she was bitten by a snake.

Marietta veterinarian Dr. Phil Good says he's seen seven or eight snake bite victims in the last week.

"They've gone out of their hibernation a month or two ago. They're just very active and they are on the prowl," said Dr. Good.

Dr. Good says copperheads are a common snake for the area. Though not as deadly as rattlesnakes, they are still a real threat.

Morningside veterinarian Dr. Jill Odle says the treatment is intravenous antibiotics but you need to get your pet help early.

"These bites can change over the course of 24 hours. What looks like a minor injury at the beginning can really change over time. It's best that they're in a hospital setting where veterinarians and technicians can evaluate them," said Dr. Odle.

To prevent bites, both doctors say clear out all brush and woodpiles because it's a snake's paradise. You can cut off a snake's food source by not attracting rodents. The doctors also say when walking your dog, don't let him wander off-leash.

It's advice Jasmine's owners have taken to heart by limiting her access to the backyard.

Doctors say the two spots your pet is most likely to be bitten is in the face or legs. Pet owners are advised to pay attention if you see sudden swelling in those areas. For more information on preventing snake bites, click here!