While the U.K. is home to a few different native species of snake, the European Adder is the only venomous snake here. Dogs are at greater risk of adder bites than humans, since dogs are more likely to be sniffing through the undergrowth! It’s a good idea to know what to do, should your dog get bitten on a walk. 

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Adders

Adders can be silver-grey (males) or light brown (females). They all have a dark distinctive zigzag marking down their back, and a characteristic V shape on their head. They’re usually found in woodland, sand dunes, moors, rocky areas and on hillsides. They are only active from March to October, and spend the remaining months hibernating. 

Adders are actually timid creatures, and would rather slither away than confront a dog, or a human! They usually only bite in self-defence, for example if they are trodden on or disturbed. Thankfully, this means adder bites are rare. It also means that adder bites are most common on a dog’s face, neck and lower legs. 

How do you know if your dog has been bitten by a snake?

Adder bite symptoms in dogs include:

  • A dark swelling, possibly with two small puncture wounds visible in the middle
  • Pain / limping
  • Bruising
  • Fast heart rate
  • Fast breathing, panting or difficulties breathing
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting / diarrhoea
  • Pale gums
  • Lethargy or sleepiness
  • Weakness or collapse
  • Seizures
  • (Rarely) death (especially if the venom is injected straight into the blood stream)

The severity of the symptoms will depend on where your dog was bitten, your dog’s size and the amount of venom the adder injected. Sometimes adders don’t inject any venom, known as a dry bite. Dry bites are still very painful and will need treatment. 

What to do if your dog is bitten by an adder

If you notice any of the above symptoms, or see your dog being bitten by an adder, you should take them to a vet straight away. Usually, the quicker your dog is treated, the better the outcome. Try to keep the wound still and elevated, to reduce the spread of venom around the body. Do not apply any dressings or tourniquets to the wound, or try to “suck” venom from the wound. Ideally you should carry your dog, if it is safe to do so, or bring the car to your dog. Most importantly, stay calm!

It’s important to note that adders are a protected species, so it is illegal to harm or kill them. They can also bite humans, so always leave the snake alone.

Snake bite treatment

So, what does a vet do for a snake bite? This will depend on the severity of the bite and treatment can range from pain relief, anti-inflammatories and monitoring to hospitalisation. Your dog may need treatment for shock, such as a fluid drip. Your vet may give antihistamines, or anti-venom may be recommended in more severe cases (if it is available). 

Can dogs survive a snake bite?

Yes! Luckily most dogs survive adder bites, with treatment. However, adder bites can be fatal, so you should always treat a snake bite, or suspected snake bite, as an emergency. Get your dog to a vet as soon as possible, calling ahead to let them know you are on your way and what has happened.

Can I prevent my dog being bitten by an adder?

While you can’t completely prevent a snake bite, you can reduce the risk by:

  • Researching and avoiding areas adders are known to inhabit
  • Keeping your dog on a lead in high risk areas
  • Sticking to paths when walking in long grass, moors, sand dunes, and rocky or wooded areas, especially during the summer months.

Remember, thankfully, snake bites are relatively rare in the U.K.

Take home message

While adder bites are rare, they can be serious, and even fatal. Make sure you know the signs of an adder bite, and get your dog to a vet straight away if you suspect they have been bitten. Prompt treatment is important for a better outcome for your dog.

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