Dog owners warned after huge increase in potentially fatal adder bites

Dog owners have been warned to be wary after a huge increase in the number of potentially fatal adder bites.

In April, more than 2,000 dog owners sought advice about adder bites from Vets Now compared to 659 queries in the same month last year, an increase of 208% year-on-year.

In the last week of April alone their vets gave dogs anti-venom after attacks in Ipswich, Preston, Derby, Colchester, Southampton and Glasgow.

Vets say the snakes are more agitated than usual at this time of year because they have just come out of hibernation.

Adder bites have been fatal to humans though this is uncommon with dogs a much more likely casualty.

Dave Leicester, head of clinical intelligence at Vets Now, has drawn up an advice guide on what to do if a dog is bitten by an adder.

He said: “Adder bites are more frequent in the spring when the snakes are just out of hibernation.

“Adders will only bite a dog in self-defence. Generally, bites occur when a snake is stepped on or disturbed.

“Most adder bites occur on a dog’s legs or face and typically result in a dark, painful swelling.

“Owners may also be able to see two small puncture wounds in the centre of the swelling.

“The swelling can become severe and may result in breathing difficulties, as a consequence of an allergic reaction to the toxin, particularly if the dog has been bitten around the head and neck.

“Eventually, if left untreated, dogs may collapse, have blood clotting problems, tremors or convulsions.

“That’s why it’s vitally important owners rush them to a vet as early as possible.”

Raven the Weimaraner was bitten by an adder during a heathland walk and took nearly a week to recover after the snake’s venom caused her face to swell up enormously.

Owner Caz Terrell was out with the Weimaraner near their home in Woodbridge, Suffolk, when she encountered the snake, although it wasn’t until hours later when Raven’s face ballooned that she realised they needed a vet.

Caz said: “It was very worrying. I have come across most things in my time breeding these dogs, but I’ve never had to deal with a snake bite.”

Although adder numbers are said to be in decline, there are an estimated 100,000 across Europe.

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A study by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) found that most adder bites occur between April and July.

It also revealed that nine in 10 dogs develop signs within 12 hours.

These typically include swelling, lethargy, high temperature and heart problems. Survival rates are high, however, with fewer than one in 20 adder bite victims dying.

While adders can be found throughout Britain, they are most prevalent in the south of England.