Adder Snake Bites and the Potential Risk to your Dog

The other types of snakes found in UK are the Grass Snake and Smooth Snake, although neither is venomous. The Grass Snake can bite if cornered or attacked but this is very rare and certainly won’t be dangerous or fatal.

Adders have a V shape marking on their head and a dark, distinctive zigzag pattern down their back. They are small grey/brown in colour and are quite small ranging from 60 to 80cm in length. Adders only weigh about 50 to 100g but can live up to 15yrs old.

Adders are found in a number of differing habitats including long grass, woodland, moorland, sand dunes and coastal paths.  They are active from February through to October and they go into hibernation during the winter.

In early spring when the days are starting to warm up, the Adder will find warm sunny spots for it to warm up. This may be on rocks, stones or a sunny clearing, which can also include pathways. 

Adders are not aggressive. Usually they are extremely sensitive and thus aware of any movement or vibration coming their way, meaning they will disappear into the undergrowth long before you get a chance to see them however; if startled or cornered, they will bite. 

If your dog has disappeared from view and a yelping is heard this may well be the result of a snake bite.  Action is needed immediately!

It’s not always easy to see the puncture wounds, particularly on long or thick coated breeds.

If bitten on the legs or feet then limping will be obvious.

If you suspect an Adder bite then contact the vet immediately and tell them you are on your way.

Keep calm and keep your dog as still as possible,  if you have a car, carry the dog to it or move the vehicle as close to the dog as possible. This is to keep the blood circulation to a minimum reducing the damage the venom could cause.

Symptoms can develop in minutes or may take longer in some cases however, if the venom has gone straight into the blood stream symptoms can occur very quickly. 

Whatever you do, DO NOT attempt to treat it yourself, this would most likely make things worse and make it harder for your vet to successfully treat.

Adder Bite Symptoms

•    Pain and swelling around the bite  

•    Limping if bitten on feet or limbs

•    Vomiting and Diarrhoea 

•    Gums may be pale in colour

•    Panting

•    Drooling

•    Swelling to neck or face

•    Breathing difficulties

•    Severe bruising 

•    Tremors/Seizures

•    Collapsing

To help prevent your dog being bitten, avoid areas known to be high risk Adder habitat, especially through the moths of July and August. Perhaps keep dogs on their leads whilst walking in these areas. 

You can even attach a bell to your dog’s collar or harness which would create enough noise to alert the Adder long before your dog can put itself in harm’s way.

Be Prepared 

When on holiday it is a good idea to look up the area for reports or sightings of Adders, and check the nearest veterinary practice, perhaps log the number in your phone whilst in that area.

As touched upon above, Adders are not inherently aggressive and will only use their venom when they feel their life is at risk but prepare to act quickly if the worst does happen.

As with all our articles, if you have any questions then please do feel free to get in touch and we will do our best to help.