This is the dramatic moment a brave pet dog alerted its owner to a snake that had slithered into their home.

The hero Shih Tzu named Dookdik was playing near the gate when it spotted the 6ft reptile winding across the street in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on Monday.

CCTV footage shows Dookdik charging at the serpent and barking loudly, alerting a youngster who had been sleeping on a hammock.

The boy's father found the snake coiled in a corner of their garage and, fearing it was venomous, called the local snake catchers for assistance.

The crew arrived as the snake was lounging on a nearby tree. They used a snake pole with three mops attached as an extension and plucked the creature from its perch.

It was identified as a non-venomous rat snake that was later hauled out of the home and released into its natural habitat.

The boy said: 'I was lying in the hammock next to the house when I heard Dookdik barking really loudly. I got up and saw him chasing a snake away from me.

'I was shocked at first, then I ran to pick him up because I was scared the snake might bite him. Luckily, Dookdik barked just in time to protect me. I was just focused on making sure he was safe too.'

Rat snakes are non-venomous constrictors found in many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, and are known for feeding primarily on rodents. Though they may look intimidating and may bite if threatened, they are generally harmless to humans.