Dogs and Snake Bites in September: What you need to know as vet warns owners to remain vigilant as adders remain active due to climate change
It may be autumn, but there’s still a potential doggy danger hiding in the undergrowth.
As people across the UK flock to the countryside for long, autumn walks, vets have warned that dog owners need to be vigilant for hidden dangers that could be lurking in the grass
As the warm weather continues into September adders - the UK’s only venomous snake - are seeking hibernation later in the year, with some reports even finding the creatures are now becoming active every month of the year.
An untreated adder bite can result in a dog becoming dehydrated, having tremors as the venom spreads throughout their body.
It can even progress to potential organ damage if the reaction is severe enough - and depending on the size of dog.
Corinne Wigfall, Branch Partner at Medivet Merthyr Tydfil, has shared guidance on how to spot an adder, how to keep your dog safe and what to do if you suspect your dog has been bitten by one.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Identifying adders
Adders are grey in colour and have a dark zig-zag pattern down their backs, and red eyes. An adult adder can grow to around 60 to 80cm and they are often referred to as ‘stocky’ due to their thick bodies.
They love to bask in the sun and are often spotted in woodlands, heathlands and moors.
Adders can be found across the UK, although they tend to be more common in South-West England and Scotland.
Observation is key
These snakes are naturally quite shy and do no harm if left alone, however curious dogs bounding about in woodland areas may encounter adders, and if startled, they may bite.
The most common place for an adder to bite a dog is the face or legs. If your dog is bitten, you will usually notice an immediate swelling. If you look carefully, you may be able to spot two small puncture wounds at the centre of the bite.
The swelling can quickly become severe, especially if the dog has an allergic reaction to the venom, this can result in breathing issues. Other signs could include:
- Lameness
- Bleeding and bruising
- Howling (in pain)
- Your dog suddenly appearing very nervous.
Smaller dogs will be affected more than larger breeds, and movement can increase the circulation of venom, so if you suspect your dog has been bitten, keep them as still as possible.
Adder bites can be severe but are rarely fatal in dogs. However, they can make a dog very ill and should be treated as an emergency.
Adder action
If you suspect that your dog has been bitten, you should take them to your vet immediately, as a quick response and treatment is essential.
You can bathe the wound in cold water and keep your dog warm and as calm and still as possible to prevent the venom from spreading.
Your vet will likely treat your dog for shock, administer pain relief and antihistamine for the swelling. They may also use anti-venom, an effective way to treat severe snake bites, as it binds itself to the venom, making it inactive.
Some clinics will not stock anti-venom, in which case they will support the owner in sourcing from a neighbouring facility.
Adders are also protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, meaning it is illegal to kill or harm them.
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