13/04/2021
Adders and dogs
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Adders are now starting to emerge from their winter hibernation. Did you know your dog is most likely to get bitten in April...
๐ Are adders dangerous to dogs?
The European adder is the only venomous snake native to the UK. They can be found throughout mainland Britain, most commonly on dry sandy heaths, sand dunes, rocky hillsides, moorland and woodland edges.
Adders are timid and generally not aggressive, they will only bite a dog in self-defence. Itโs worth bearing in mind that wild snakes are protected by law in the UK and itโs an offence to intentionally injure or kill an adder. Generally, bites occur when a snake is stepped on or disturbed by your dog. Unfortunately, dogs are particularly at risk of adder bites due to their curious nature.
The severity of adder bites depends on the size of your dog, the location of the bite and the amount of venom the adder has injected.
While there have been cases where an adder bite has led to the death of a dog, these are very rare. One study found that fewer than one in 20 dogs died as a result of an adder bite.
However, while adder bites rarely prove fatal, they should still be treated as an emergency and your dog should be seen by a vet as quickly as possible.
๐ What are the signs that a dog has been bitten by an adder?
Most adder bites occur on a dogโs legs or face and typically result in a dark, painful swelling. You may also be able to see two small puncture wounds in the centre of the swelling.
Be aware that the swelling can become severe and may result in breathing difficulties, as a consequence of an allergic reaction to the toxin, particularly if your dog is bitten around the head and neck.
Your dog will also show signs of pain and may appear nervous.
Other adder bite symptoms in dogs can include pale gums, bruising, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, restlessness, drowsiness, and lethargy.
Eventually, if left untreated, dogs may collapse, have blood clotting problems, tremors or convulsions.
๐ What should you do if your dog is bitten by an adder?
If you think your dog has been bitten by an adder, take him to a vet as quickly as possible, making sure you have called ahead!
The sooner your dog sees a vet, the better their chances of making a full recovery.
Carry your dog (or walk them slowly) to reduce the spread of the adderโs venom around your dogโs body.
Bathe the wound in cold water to help control the swelling.
Seek veterinary advice before administering any antihistamine
DO NOT attempt to suck the venom out
DO NOT use tourniquets
Keep your dog as calm as possible whilst you transport them to the vets.
๐ Adder bite treatment for dogs
Your vet is likely to treat your dog for shock and swelling and give him pain relief. If your dogโs symptoms are severe, anti-venom may also be administered if itโs available.
๐ How can I prevent my dog from getting bitten by an adder?
The best way to prevent adder bites on dogs is to be aware of adder hotspots in your area. Keep to paths when walking in these areas and consider keeping your dog on a lead. so they donโt disturb any adders in the undergrowth. If you do come across an adder itโs best to remain still and let it pass safely.
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