
Protect Your Pet from Dangerous Encounters : Adder Bites
All about adders
All puns aside, Adder bites can be nasty and unpleasant for your pet…
Luckily, Adders are the only venomous snake in the UK. They become active in the warmer months, following a winter of hibernation – so you should be most alert on spring and summertime walks.
Pets are usually bitten on the legs, head or neck after disturbing an unsuspecting Adder. Their bites can result in rapid, painful swelling and bruising. You may also be able to identify two small puncture holes in the centre of the swelling. If your pet has been bitten on their leg, they may become lame and begin to limp. Bites can be ‘dry’ (no venom injected) or venomous. If the bite is venomous, you may notice extra signs and symptoms in your pet such as; lethargy, vomiting, panting, collapse, pale gums, drooling, bleeding, abnormal heart rhythm and kidney problems.
What to do if you think your pet has been bitten?
- Don’t panic!
- Do not interfere with the bite or apply a tourniquet.
- Don’t try to catch or harm the snake.
- Seek veterinary advice – carry your pet to your car (if practical) and don’t delay treatment – even if your pet appears well.
Most dogs will make a quick and complete recovery, provided they are treated promptly, so never delay in seeking veterinary advice!
How can I prevent my pet from being bitten?
It is difficult to eliminate the risk of Adder bites completely (as we know pets love to roam), but you can take extra caution during summer months when snakes are more active. Be careful when walking with your pet in long grass, sandy dunes or around rocks or stone walls where Adders tend to sleep. Keep your dog on a short lead when walking in these areas.
Know what to look for
- Adders have a dark brown/black zig-zag pattern along their back and may have a pale grey to olive green colour elsewhere.
- Adult snakes are 50-60cm long and have vertically slit pupils (other native non-venomous snakes have round pupils).
If you are concerned your pet might have been poisoned then contact your vet.
What should I do if I think my pet has eaten something it shouldn’t have?
These instances require immediate action from you as a pet owner to minimise the risk of any serious consequences.
Your vet only has a short, limited time frame to try to minimise the absorption of poisons before they can cause harm and so an immediate appointment is essential and potentially life-saving.
Follow the simple steps on this page and always remember the word S.P.E.E.D in the future.
S Stop access to any poison
It may seem obvious but can the pet get hold of any more of the substance (i.e. if it’s in your garden)? If so keep your pet away from anything you suspect as dangerous.
P Phone the vet
This is an emergency and must be dealt with immediately.
E Emergency appointment
You cannot ‘wait and see’ with poisons as many do not affect your pet straight away and some can take several days to show symptoms, all the while doing damage to the inside before you see signs on the outside. Getting your pet seen immediately gives you the best chance to get effective treatment for your pet before you reach a potential point of no return.
E Evidence
Knowing what the potential poison is will really help your Vet make a rapid diagnosis and create the best treatment protocol for a successful recovery. If you have a label of the substance, bring it. If you don’t have a label but have access to the substance then bring a sample to the vet for testing (only if it is safe to do so and you are not putting yourself or anyone else in danger). If you don’t have a label or a sample but you animal has been sick, then bring a sample of this with you (if safe to do so) as the ingredient may be present in the vomit. If you don’t have access to any of these then don’t worry as your pet’s blood can be tested.
D Don’t delay!
You cannot afford to wait, act now!