Just wondering what to do if my dog gets bitten by an adder! I was out walking on the moors one hot sunny morning when there on the grass was a huge adder! If I hadn't shouted my dog would have been unaware of it being there & possibly been bitten.....So I wondered just what one would do in these circumstances? being prepared for such calamities could possibly save a distressing situation? Just a thought if we are going to have a long hot summer----I wish---- regards Julie.

Adders do account for a number of dog bites (and human) each year. Considering the number of dogs walked in Adder areas these encounters are almost negligable! Never the less if you think your dog has been bitten by an adder -almost always on the snout- you must seek immidiate vet help if the dog is to survive!!!!

Expect a hevty bill  by all accounts £600 seems average.

Larger dogs have a higher change of recovery.

To be slightly controversial adder have more to fear from certain dog walkers than the other way round as anecdotal evidence seems to show that many of the adder bashing (deaths) are caused by **ssed off dog owners whos dogs have been bitten.

Please Please remember Adders (Vipera berus) are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as ammended) and to injure or kill one is a criminal act.

Graeme Skinner
Consultant Herpetologist

AND DOG OWNER !!!

(Emily's dad :))

Does that cover swearing at the bl**dy thing if my dog gets bitten - I would have to swear at it at least

That's acceptable Dill, don't think you would get into trouble for that but you may upset Mr, or Mrs, Adder :P :D

If your dog is bitten, try to restrict the movement - carry to car if possible.   Then drive asap to nearest vet, even if it's not your own.

Piriton may help - I try to remember to carry some with me, as we have adders on the commons here.

In an emergency, you can make a makeshift stretcher by taking off your jacket, turning inside-out with zip done up, and threading broom handles or strong sticks through the arms.

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

I had a friend whose Flatcoat was bitten in the New Forest last year (the one you met Jo - Katherine?). She rushed him to the vet and he was fine, if a little groggy afterwards.
I often wonder what i would do if Banya was bitten on our walks - we often walk a long way from the car and over uneven ground ... I can't imagine I could carry her very far :(

Lindsay
x

Yes, Lindsay, I know - the thought of carrying a flatcoat any distance to the car makes my knees quake!

Jo

- Move dog as little as poss
- Keep it calm
- Wash wound with soapy water (do NOT scrub)
- apply a cold compress
- Seek veterinary help

If you're wearing a coat you could roll the dog on to it and drag the coat, its always worth a try :)

Received:

I am not a member of this site and happened on it only by chance when searching for adder bites on the web. I was interested in your members comments and have an important contribution to make if you will allow it.

Back in the 60s I used to subscribe to Gamekeeper magazine and in it on month was a most interesting article about adder bites in dogs. The author advised the use of Potassium Permanganate as a direct application to an adder bite wound either as crystals or better as a solution. He swore to the efficacy of the remedy and claimed to have used it many times.

Obviously, a vet is the best and safest bet but you may be hours away from the nearest one and could lose the dog in the meantime. It surely couldn't hurt to carry a small phial of Potassium Permanganate in your pocket if you are walking in snake country, preferably made up as a strong solution.

Anyway, that is my contribution, do with it what you will. At the very least you should discuss it with your vet.

J.Platts