Anglesey Dog Owner Issues Urgent Adder Warning After Pet's Tragic Death
A devastated grandmother from Anglesey has issued a stark warning to fellow dog owners after her beloved pet died from what she believes was a fatal adder bite during a routine walk. Jo Bowen-Jones from Rhosneigr lost her Springer-Cocker spaniel Baxter three weeks ago in a tragic incident that has highlighted the dangers of Britain's only venomous snake.
The Fatal Walk
On March 31, Jo and Baxter were enjoying their regular walk on common land north of the coastal village, an area that borders RAF Valley's runway and is popular with plane spotters. They had just crossed a wooden bridge over Afon Crigyll when the outing took a sudden and tragic turn.
'He was a real character,' said Jo, her voice filled with emotion. 'Baxter was a lovely dog who was well-known in the village because he was always at my side. He loved going for this walk - we went there four or five times a week. He was a typical spaniel, nose to the ground, tail wagging.'
As they headed back toward the car, Jo noticed Baxter suddenly stop and lift his front paw. 'He didn't yelp and after some coaxing he came to me,' she recalled. 'But he was struggling to walk - I had to half carry him over the bridge.'
Rapid Deterioration
Unable to get her dog home, Jo enlisted the help of a visiting campervan owner to watch over Baxter while she fetched her car. 'I was only gone five minutes,' she said. 'But in the time I'd been away, he'd vomited and pooed himself. There wasn't any swelling but I felt his paw and there was a tiny mark.'
Calling ahead to Bodrwnsiwn Vets in Mona, Jo and the campervan owner lifted Baxter into her estate car. She arrived at the veterinary practice within 30 minutes of the suspected bite. 'They carried him in on a rug - there was no way he could walk,' she described. 'His breathing was ragged, his tummy was taut and his eyes were not good.'
Baxter was immediately given anti-histamines and paracetamol, and placed on a hydration drip. While an adder bite was suspected, the veterinary team decided against administering anti-venom. 'It can cause anaphylactic shock and other side effects,' Jo explained. 'As Baxter's breathing was so laboured, it was decided anti-venom was too risky.'
Tragic Outcome
Jo had arranged to collect Baxter at 6pm with plans to transport him to Colwyn Bay for overnight care - a necessity since June 2024 when such provision became unavailable for pets on Anglesey. However, at 5pm she received a devastating phone call from the vets.
'They told me Baxter had taken a turn for the worse,' she said, her voice trembling. 'His heart had stopped and, by the time I got there, he had died. I knew he was going downhill and I was losing him but it was still a shock. He was a fit and healthy five-year-old dog.'
Jo emphasized that she couldn't fault the veterinary team, who were clearly very upset by the outcome. 'We're 80 per cent-plus sure it was an adder bite that killed him,' she stated. 'He didn't swell, as often happens, but every dog reacts differently. Soon after I read an adder had been seen in the same area around the same time.'
Warning to Other Dog Owners
Keen to alert others to the dangers, Jo posted a warning on Facebook, not to alarm people but to make them aware of the potential risks. 'Dog owners often associate adders with coastal dunes but this happened on grassland,' she cautioned. 'They can be found in any open, sunny habitat.'
She noted that adders appear to have emerged early this year from hibernation. 'Usually they will do their best to avoid people and dogs,' she explained. 'But early in the year, as they emerge from hibernation, they can be a little drowsy and might not be so quick to get away, so extra care is needed.'
Aftermath and Legacy
Baxter had been sourced for Jo by Spaniel Aid, a rescue and rehoming charity for spaniels and spaniel cross-breeds, two years ago after her previous dog died of natural causes. This time, she's looking for a replacement straight away. 'I've been widowed 10 years and without a dog in the house it feels very empty,' she confessed.
Two days after losing Baxter, Jo received a phone call from Bodrwnsiwn Vets revealing they'd received an anonymous letter questioning why the practice didn't have anti-venom in stock. 'That wasn't the case - not giving it to Baxter was a clinical decision,' she clarified.
The veterinary practice also informed her they were trying to re-establish overnight care on Anglesey. 'If that happens, it would be excellent news,' Jo said hopefully. 'When Anglesey lost this provision, a lot of people were very upset as it left them having to travel to Colwyn Bay or further. When something bad happens, you want something good to come out of it, and hopefully this will be it.'
Understanding Adder Bite Risks
Despite rapid increases in the UK's canine population, adder bites remain uncommon and deaths are incredibly rare. Veterinary statistics indicate that while nearly all bitten dogs show symptoms, approximately 95.4 per cent reportedly survive with prompt veterinary treatment.
Fatalities generally occur if the bite is left untreated, with smaller dogs being more vulnerable to severe outcomes. The incident serves as a sobering reminder for dog owners to remain vigilant, particularly during early spring when adders emerge from hibernation and may be less alert to approaching threats.
