Dog owner urges caution after pet bitten by adder

Labrador Bitten by Snake Near Whitby

On August 5th, a Labrador named Malcolm was bitten by a snake on the moorland above Egton near Whitby. His owner, Mrs. Mawer, immediately noticed that the three-year-old male became dizzy and his face started to swell. She rushed him to the vet without delay. Mawer explained that if she had not seen the snake, she would never have known what caused the sudden change, highlighting the dangers of a dog adder bite.

Encounter With the Adder

Just before the incident, Mrs. Mawer had taken a picture of the adder—the only venomous snake in Britain. She said the snake hardly moved, giving Malcolm no chance to react by barking or yelping. At first, she was not even sure he had been bitten.

Symptoms and Immediate Danger

By the time they reached the car, the danger became obvious. Malcolm retched, appeared dazed during the drive, and refused to eat. When they arrived at the vet, the swelling on his face made the seriousness of the bite clear.

Veterinary Advice on Dog Adder Bites

Simon Beck, from Beck Veterinary Practice, explained that during summer, vets encounter dog adder bites every couple of weeks. He stressed that these bites can turn fatal if not treated immediately. Pet owners must act quickly—get the animal into the car and drive straight to the vet. To reduce the risk, he advised avoiding moorland or heather where adders live.

Lessons Learned by the Owner

Fortunately, Malcolm made a full recovery. The experience taught Mrs. Mawer two important lessons:

• Do not stop on the moors to take photographs.

• Watch closely for unusual behavior that may signal a bite.

Common Symptoms of Adder Bites in Dogs

Typical signs include:

• Immediate pain and swelling at the bite site (often on the face or legs)

• Two small puncture wounds within the swelling

• Limping, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, or pale gums

In severe cases, venom can spread through the body, leading to complications like kidney, heart, or respiratory failure. While deaths are rare, the risks remain serious.

First Aid for a Dog Adder Bite

If you suspect your dog has been bitten:

1. Stay calm. Panic slows down quick action.

2. Limit movement. Carry your dog to the car to reduce venom spread.

3. Wash the bite. Use cold water to gently clean the area.

4. Control swelling. Keep the bite below heart level.

5. Avoid myths. Do not use a tourniquet, suck out venom, or try home remedies.

6. Go to the vet immediately. Quick treatment greatly improves recovery chances.

Prevention Tips for Dog Owners

Since adders are active from late spring to early autumn, especially in moorland, dunes, woodlands, and coastal paths, follow these precautions:

• Keep your dog on a leash in high-risk areas.

• Stick to paved or clear pathways.

• Avoid tall grass and dense undergrowth.

• Carry antihistamines only under veterinary guidance.