Vets have issued an urgent warning to dog owners about the risk of adder bites during woodland walks in June. Multiple dogs have been admitted to a veterinary hospital after being bitten by adders while out on walks.
Why June is a High-Risk Period
June is a lovely month for walking your dog, with long, bright days and warm sunshine making parks, fields and woodland trails perfect for an afternoon stroll. However, there are several hazards to be aware of before heading out with your pet. June is a high-risk period for adder bites, as the snakes are often out basking during sunny spells. Extra caution is advised when venturing outdoors.
About Adders
Adders typically measure around 50cm to 60cm in length and commonly display a dark zig-zag pattern along their back. Although they are generally timid and tend to avoid people, they may strike if they feel threatened, startled or are accidentally trodden on. It is exceptionally uncommon for an adder bite to prove fatal to a human, but unfortunately, the same cannot be said for our cherished pets.
Warning from Veterinary Hospital
Nine Mile Veterinary Hospital and MiNight Vet Wokingham issued a warning to residents in Reading after several dogs were admitted suffering from adder bites following woodland walks. In a Facebook post, the veterinary hospital said: "If you're walking your dogs in forest areas such as Buckler's Forest, etc., please keep a close eye on your dog, we have had multiple patients admitted to our hospital due to receiving Adder Snake Bites. However, we do not know the precise location of each."
This issue is not limited to the Reading area, as adders are found throughout England, Wales and mainland Scotland. You are most likely to spot them on sunny banks, along path edges, and in bracken, heather, long grass, sand dunes and heathland.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe
To keep your pets safe, avoid letting them dash through dense undergrowth or rummage through piles of logs or rocks. It is also worth ensuring your recall commands are well practised, as this can help bring your dog back to you swiftly should they find themselves in any danger.
Expert Advice from PDSA
The PDSA advises: "Adders tend to keep themselves to themselves and don't bite unless they are scared. Unfortunately, dogs tend to approach them without fear, startle them and get bitten. If your dog is bitten by an adder, their symptoms will depend on where the bite is and where the venom spreads to."
"If the venom stays in the tissues around the bite, it will cause pain and swelling, but if it spreads further and gets into the bloodstream, it can cause much more serious problems such as damage to the liver, kidneys, heart and nervous system. If venom is injected straight into the bloodstream, it can cause death very quickly. It can also be very serious if your dog is bitten on the face or neck because swelling can lead to breathing problems."
"With treatment, most dogs make a full recovery, but sadly, in some cases, adder venom can cause severe illness and even death. The quicker your dog is treated, the better their outlook. Any dog with a suspected adder bite should be seen by a vet ASAP."
What to Do If Your Dog Is Bitten by an Adder
The PDSA advises dog owners to remain calm and keep their pets as still as possible to prevent venom from spreading throughout the body. Leave the wound untouched and refrain from applying a bandage or tourniquet. Contact your vet immediately to alert them that you are on your way to the practice. Rather than walking your dog, carry them to your vehicle to help minimise their movement.
Your vet will then be able to advise on the most appropriate course of treatment. This typically includes strong pain relief, fluid drips, anti-histamines, or in more serious cases, anti-venom.
