In Spring when the warmer weather approaches, Adders come out of hibernation, so you may come across them whilst out on your dog walks!
The European Adder is the only one that is venomous, and that is a potential danger to your dog
Adders are not known for their aggression. They will only bite in self-defence, and this can be a problem for curious dogs that come across them when they’re bounding about.
Adders love the sun and can often be spotted basking in the sun in woodland, heathland, and moors. Naturally shy creatures, they’re best left alone, and they’ll do no harm.
The most common place for an adder to bite a dog is the face or the legs. If your dog is bitten, you will usually notice an immediate swelling. If you look carefully, you may be able to spot two small puncture wounds at the centre of the bite.
The swelling can quickly become severe, especially if the dog has an allergic reaction to the venom, which can result in breathing issues. Other signs could include:
Lameness
Bleeding and bruising
Howling (in pain)
Your dog may suddenly appear very nervous
If you suspect that your dog has been bitten by an adder, you should take them to your vet immediately. Adder bites can be severe but are rarely fatal in dogs. However, they can make a dog very ill and should be treated as an emergency.