19/04/2024
Adders are warming up... 🐍
☀️ With the weather warming up, it’s a timely moment to remind all dog owners to be aware of adders, the UK’s only native poisonous snake. Adders hibernate over the winter and emerge during the spring, putting dogs at increased risk during the summer months when the weather is generally warmer.
Adders only tend to bite in self-defence, for instance, when they are stepped on accidentally or disturbed by an inquisitive dog. However, when they do, bites can be dangerous as they can induce lameness, vomiting, and changes to the heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing rate.
They are typically found on dry, sandy heaths, sand dunes, rocky hillsides, moorlands, and woodland edges, although not limited to these environments.
Visually, bites typically result in dark-coloured swelling that can quickly become severe. If your dog has been bitten by an adder, please get in touch with us or your nearest vet immediately.
