26 June 2023 - Dog walkers - look out for adders
They're about, hiding in long grass waiting for your dog's nose to poke around.
If you think your dog's been bitten get it to the vet asap.
More or less the only local vets who carry the anti-venom are:
Southfield Vets, South Walks, Dorchester DT1 1DU, tel: 01305 262913 (24/7)
Take care out there!
J & S
More info here.
What are the signs of an adder bite on dogs?
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, this can result in breathing issues.
Other signs could include:
- Lameness
- Bleeding and bruising
- Howling (in pain)
- Your dog may suddenly appear very nervous
A small dog may be affected more than a larger dog. The amount that the dog has moved after being bitten will also make a difference, as will the location of the bite. Speed is of the essence.