01/03/2026
ADDER BITES!!
While it is very early in the year, the flooding and high groundwater levels seem to be bringing the adders out of hibernation sooner than expected. We have already seen two cases of adder bites in dogs, so please be vigilant on your walks!
Symptoms of adder bite can start to be visible within a few minutes to a couple of hours, but worsening symptoms can develop over several days. The severity of symptoms depends on the location of the bite, amount of venom injected, and the size of the dog - the same amount of venom will have a worse effect on a Chihuahua than on a German Shepherd!
Mild symptoms include swelling of the area around the bite (and this can be quite dramatic!), purple bruising of the skin, pain, and limping if the bite was on the leg. Some bites can become infected.
More severe symptoms can take longer to develop, and include vomiting, diarrhoea, panting or difficulty breathing, weakness, pale gums, internal bleeding, liver problems, collapse, tremors, seizures, and in some cases death.
Treatment for mild cases involves pain relief, antihistamines, and occasionally antibiotics. Blood tests are recommended to monitor liver function and blood clotting parameters. For dogs with signs of shock or more severe problems, hospitalisation is often needed for intravenous fluids and more intensive treatment.
Adder antivenom is an often debated treatment option - it’s expensive, difficult to get hold of in the UK as it has to be imported from Europe, and a small proportion of dogs can have allergic reactions to it. The venom does help the dogs recover quicker, but it does not improve the survival rate - which is over 95% even without the antivenom.
What should you do?
1. Put your dog on the lead if they are loose.
2. Keep away from the snake, but do try and take a photo if you can.
3. Call your vet and let them know you are on your way.
4. Do not bandage or wash the wound, and if the bite is on the leg, do not place a tourniquet.
5. If possible, carry your dog to the car or bring the car to them, or at least walk them to the car slowly - the more they move, the faster the venom will spread through the body.
