Pet insurer issues advice for dogs at risk of adder bites

Tue, 03 Aug 2010

A pet insurance company has offered guidance for dog owners after a number of policyholders got in touch to say their pets had been bitten by an adder.

The European adder, Vipera berus, is the only species of snake native to the UK that is poisonous. According to M&S Pet Insurance, adder bites are rare and while dogs usually tend to avoid snakes, an over-inquisitive dog could disturb an unsuspecting adder in long grass and sustain a bite, typically on its nose or paws.

Clare Scantlebury, deputy operations manager of the insurer's Vetfone advice service, said: "If a bite has occurred, the area will become swollen and very painful, usually within 30 minutes. Any animals who have sustained an adder bite should be kept well hydrated. If you think your dog has been bitten by an adder, veterinary attention should be sought immediately as adder bites can be fatal."

Ms Scantlebury added that dogs may become restless or depressed after being bitten by an adder, as well as vomiting and collapsing.
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