The warning comes after Rosie, a dachshund belonging to Melbourne man Shane Lewis and family, died from a tiger snake bite.

Mr Lewis took Rosie to his local vet, who did not stock the particular anti venom needed to save her.

He drove to a nearby animal emergency centre, which did have it, but sadly Rosie died on the way.

Town & Country Magazine spoke to a number of veterinary surgeons around the Goulburn area to check whether they had stocks of snake anti venom, and whether there had been any instances of bites to either dogs or cats.

Dr Ian Hayes from the Southern Tablelands Veterinary Hospital said there were a number of instances of dogs and cats coming into his surgery to be treated for snake bite.

“We see instances of snake bites on at least a weekly basis, and so we have up to five or six vials of anti venom available, and try to maintain that amount every time,” Dr Hayes said.

“Vets in city surgeries either don’t stock it or they don’t have as much stock because they don’t see as many instances of snake bites, whereas in country areas it is vital to always have a supply on hand because of the frequency of bites.”

Dr Hayes also said that if for any reason his surgery was running low on supplies, he had built up a good working relationship with other vets in Goulburn where he could source spare vials.

“We can also get anti venom supplies from a stockist in Canberra,” he said.

“Another common problem in a lot of animals, especially dogs, is that of paralysis tick bites, mainly from dogs that have been down to the South Coast with their owners.

“Often they get home and the dog isn’t feeling very well, and the owner gets worried, so they come in and we administer the tick anti venom to eradicate it. 

Therefore we have a bulk supply of tick anti venom too, and if we run low on that, again we can consult with other local vets to top up on our supply.”

Another local clinic said there had been some cases where a pet had been bitten by a snake but didn’t make it to the surgery in time.

It is just as important for people to know what to do if bitten by a snake.

Often, snake bites occur when people try to catch or kill snakes.

The beginning of warm weather has prompted the Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) to issue a public warning that snakes are starting to become more active.

“Snakes normally stay well away from people, but during the warmer months they are actively looking for food,” said SNSWLHD’s critical care director, Dr Trish Saccasan Whelan.

“Snakes can be found in gardens and around houses, especially those near bushland,” Dr Saccasan Whelan said.

She cautioned people against going outside in the dark without shining a torch on the ground or reaching into long grass or hollow logs without looking into them first.

“Areas around the home should be kept tidy and lawns mowed to discourage snakes. 

Wearing closed shoes and long pants can provide some protection when walking in bushland,” she said. 

“Most snake bites are the result of trying to catch or kill snakes.

Snakes should be left alone and given plenty of space. Don’t try to catch or kill a snake.”

In the event of a snake bite, swift administration of first aid is crucial and has been proven to be lifesaving.

In most cases, snake bites occur on the arm or leg. 

“Understanding the correct first aid is vital for treating a snake bite and can sometimes make the difference between life and death,” Dr Saccasan Whelan said.

St John Ambulance recommend that the snake bite patient stay still.

Apply a broad crepe bandage over the bite site, firmly and quickly; note the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied; stay with the patient, check for shock, and call an ambulance as soon as possible.