AS adder season begins and cases of adder bites on pets begin to occur. It is important pet owners are aware of adder bites and what to do if you think your pet has experienced an adder bite. Kingsteignton Vets has therefore made a handy guide on adders and what to do if your pet is bitten by one.
Adders usually live in (but not limited to):
-Sand dunes
-Hillsides
-Rocky areas
-Moors
-Woodland areas
Adders hibernate from October and usually emerge from hibernation in the early spring – as soon as it gets sunny. They eat lizards, small mammals and sometimes birds; they rarely bite humans or dogs but when this does happen, it is likely out of self-defence.
If you don’t see the incident or hear any uproar when it occurs, you may notice the following symptoms later on. Symptoms may include (but not limited to):
-Severe swelling around the site of the wound
-Visible pain
-Bleeding or bruising
-Inflammation from the spread of venom
-Increased heartrate or quickened breathing
-Drooling
-Vomiting
-Lethargy or general weakness
What should I do?
It’s important to remain calm. 96% of bitten dogs make a full recovery in as little as five days.
If your dog is yelping or frightened, don’t further their feelings of distress by panicking alongside them.
Firstly, you should try to keep your dog still to avoid the venom spreading throughout their body. If you’re able to do so, carry them home or back to the car – the less your dog moves, the less chance the poison gets to travel through their bloodstream.
This will also minimise the risk of movement-related pain, especially if your dog has been bitten on the paw or leg. Contact your vet as soon as possible. If you are away on holiday, contact the nearest vets for assistance.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the bite. A painkiller might suffice, or if your dog has been really badly bitten, the vet may recommend antihistamines or a treatment for shock. If your dog’s symptoms are severe, anti-venom may also be administered if it’s available.
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