16/08/2026
Warning to all our adventurous pups, the puff adders are out ! Time to switch to beach walks or stick to the trails.
Type of venom:
Puff adder venom is primarily cytotoxic. This means it causes local tissue damage, swelling, and pain. The affected tissue can become necrotic (die off) around the bites. Other symptoms, including shock, bleeding, and kidney injury, can occur in severe cases.
How dogs typically present:
The common first signs are rapidly increasing swelling around the face, limbs or body, pain, one or more puncture wounds that may bleed, weakness, drooling, collapse, or vomiting in more severe cases. Some animals may initially seem only mildly affected but worsen over the next few hours.
What NOT to do
Do not attempt to remove venom.
Do not apply a tight tourniquet or pressure bandage/compress unless instructed by your vet. Turniquets can cause severe tissue damage.
Do NOT give painkillers or medications meant for humans without instruction from your local vet. These can complicate treatment and cause more harm than good.
Do not try to catch or kill the snake but Do try to take a photo for identifiaction
The Puff Adder is widespread over much of South Africa and elsewhere further north into Africa. It is a heavy-bodied snake that relies on its excellent camouflage and is reluctant to move.
