Veterinarians in western Connecticut say they are seeing increasingly more cases of snakes biting pets on local walking trails.

The Emergency Animal Response Service (EARS) tells News 12 that it is getting a lot more calls lately about dogs getting bitten by snakes. Snakes will often bite around a dog's neck or head, causing swelling.

Veterinarians recommend bringing in your dog within four hours if it's bit. Otherwise, there could be breathing complications. They also recommend keeping an animal first aid kit on hand.

The animal rescue group says owners should keep their dogs on a leash, especially when on a hiking trail, and to keep them from getting curious about rocks and other things off the trail, where snakes will hide and bite.

EARS offers these tips if your dog gets bitten: Try to identify the snake; assess the wound area, clean it with water and wrap it firmly with vet wrap; and bring your pet to the nearest animal emergency room, as most general-practice veterinary hospitals may not have anti-venom.