Pet owners are being urged by Australind Veterinary Hospital to clean up their properties and keep watch for snakes coming into the warmer months.

The hospital’s veterinary nurse Narelle Pollard said doing obvious things such as removing rubble and keeping the grass mowed would eliminate hiding places for snakes.

Mrs Pollard also advised pet owners to remove food sources which attracted mice and therefore could attract snakes.

“If your pet has been bitten, or you suspect it has, get to a hospital quickly,” Mrs Pollard said.

“The venom moves fast and will slow breathing down until the heart stops, so owners need to act fast.”