Vets issue warning after treating dog bitten by adder on dunes in Hayle
Vets4Pets are urging owners to seek professional help straight away
Last updated 2nd May 2022
Vets have issued a warning after treating a dog bitten by an adder on popular sand dunes in Cornwall.
Beau was brought in to Vets4Pets in Penzance last week, after being bitten while exploring the dunes at Hayle.
The team say the snakes are common as the weather gets warmer and they are urging dog owners to watch out.
If a pet is bitten, or owners suspect a bite, they are being advised to seek professional help straight away.
Posting on Facebook, Vets4Pets said: "Adder bites often occur when a dog is out on a walk and exploring the areas where snakes are basking in the sun. This makes them likely to disturb the snakes, either accidentally or due to their investigative actions.
"Dogs are frequently bitten on the face and limbs but bites can occur on any part of the body. Most snake bites tend to occur between March and October when the snakes are more active due to the warm weather".
Vets4Pets added: "The Common European Adder is fairly widespread throughout the UK. It can be found in a variety of habitats including woodland areas, moors, heathland, meadows, coastal dunes, hedgerows, and the banks of streams, lakes and ponds.
"The individual appearance of adders is variable but they can usually be identified by the dark V or X shape on the back of the head. Most adders also have a zig-zag pattern on their back which runs all the way along the body as far as the tail. Adders are quite timid in nature and will not usually bite unless they feel threatened or cornered".
What do I do if my pet is bitten?
Vets4Pets continued: "If your pet is bitten by an adder (or you suspect that it may have been) you should seek prompt veterinary attention.
"Do not attempt first aid measures such as sucking out the venom or applying a tourniquet - these procedures are ineffective and may even cause further harm to your pet.
"The severity of signs seen in animals as a result of snake bites is variable and depends upon several factors; these include the site of the bite and the size of the animal (smaller animals being at more risk of severe problems due to the relative dose of venom to their bodyweight).
"If you suspect your pet has been bitten by an adder, it is essential you seek Veterinary advice instantly, so your pet can start treatment as soon as possible".
Vets4Pets in Penzance say Beau is making an "amazing recovery" and has been allowed to go home!