A dog owner from Anglesey believes her pet died after being bitten by an adder, the UK's only venomous snake, near a beach in Rhosneigr. Jo Bowen-Jones said her five-year-old Springer-Cocker spaniel, Baxter, was bitten on common land beside RAF Valley on March 31.
Ms Bowen-Jones described how Baxter suddenly lifted his paw and began limping while crossing a wooden bridge over the Afon Crigyll. She had to half-carry him back, and within minutes he vomited and had diarrhoea. She rushed him to Bodrwnsiwn Vets in Mona, where vets suspected an adder bite but decided against anti-venom due to his laboured breathing.
Baxter was given anti-histamines and paracetamol and placed on a hydration drip. Despite initial signs of improvement, his condition deteriorated, and he died later that day. Ms Bowen-Jones said the vets were '80%-plus sure' an adder bite was the cause.
Ms Bowen-Jones shared a warning on Facebook, noting that adders are often associated with coastal dunes but can be found in any open, sunny habitat. She urged extra caution as snakes may be drowsy after emerging from hibernation.
Two days after Baxter's death, the vets received an anonymous letter questioning why they had no anti-venom. Ms Bowen-Jones confirmed it was a clinical decision not to administer it. She also noted the vets are trying to re-establish overnight pet care on Anglesey, which was lost in June 2024.
Adder bites in dogs are rare, and fatalities are exceptionally uncommon. According to veterinary data, 95.4% of bitten dogs survive with prompt treatment.
