Image: An adder snake spotted in the Cheviots (Coquet Vets, 2024)
Adder’s can be found in both the North and South of England, and the adder is Britain’s only venomous snake. They live in heather and bushes and are very rare to see, but you may see them on hot days basking in the sun.
While the likelihood of being bitten by an adder is extremely small, some people and pets are bitten each year.
An adder bite is very rare, but when it does happen, medical help should be sought immediately. Adder bites are potentially very serious, but effective treatment is readily available for people and pets.
Image: Dog walking in the Cheviots (Coquet Vets, 2024)
People’s fear of this secretive and beautiful animal contributes to its vulnerability in the UK, yet with an understanding of the facts, people and adder's can co-exist happily.
Here’s what to do if your pet encounters an adder and gets bitten:
If your pet does get bitten by an adder, you need to pick up the dog right away. This helps reduce the circulation of the venom.
Call your vets without delay and let them know you are on your way.
Your vet will assess the bite and provide the correct medical treatment.
If you are going walking in the Cheviots or areas like this, take care when letting your dog run through the heather, as this is when the snake will bite if they feel threatened.
If you are a client of Coquet Vets and this article has raised any questions, you can contact us on 01665 252 250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk.
Note on photos: All photos within this article were taken in the Cheviots by one of our team members at Coquet Vets. The adder was spotted in good time, so no dogs were injured.
