With Summer well and truly on the way and temperatures rising, we need to think about our dog walking areas and terrain and would we know what to do if our dog stumbled across a venomous snake?
The Adder (viper berus) are the only venomous snake in the UK. It is grey in colour with a dark zig-zag pattern down its back.
There is also a very rare species of Adder identified as the Black Adder and has only recently has there been a sighting of one of these on Dartmoor. (June 2025)
So where would we expect to see these reptiles? Adders are most often found on open grassy areas, woodland areas, coastal cliffs and grasslands.
They prefer a south facing slope to maximise their sun bathing needs.
Would you know what to do if your dog got bitten by an Adder?
The reaction to an Adder bite can vary from dog to dog. Smaller dogs can be more at risk from a bite purely due to their body size and body weight when receiving the venomous bite.
Adder bites are serious and veterinary intervention should be sort straight away. Fatalities from Adder bites are relatively rare.
One study reported less than 1 in 20 dogs dying from a bite: www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/adder-bites-dogs/
Should your dog receive a bite, seek veterinary care immediately, possibly phoning your practice ahead of arriving to check they have the correct anti-venom drugs in stock.
It is a very upsetting experience if your dog gets bitten by a snake, but try not to panic. Keeping your dog as quiet and still as possible is very important so as to minimise the circulation and spreading of the venom around their body.
So try to remain calm as your dogs can sense your emotions, your dog as still and relaxed as possible.
If you can carry your dog back to your car then do so.
Adders are generally shy and prefer to avoid contact with dogs, but of course dogs are very inquisitive!! Their curiosity can lead to an Adder snake biting in a defensive way as they feel unable to escape or have been disturbed by something or someone stepping on them.
Keeping your dog on a lead in known areas of sightings of Adders is always a sensible option, and bearing in mind, bites are more common during Spring and early Summer when Adders are most active.
Be aware and keep an eye out for information on local Facebook pages example
For people travelling on holiday with their dogs to Devon these are really good tips
