As discussed, I am concerned that your pet may have been bitten by a snake. All cases of suspected snakebite should be examined by a veterinarian urgently, as snakebites can cause anything from mild swelling to severe wounds, and life-threatening conditions.

There are 3 types of wild snakes in the UK: Adders, grass snakes and smooth snakes, with adders being the only snake which tend to bite our pets and also the only venomous species in the UK.   

The adder is shy and therefore does not seek confrontation. Unfortunately, our pets are often inquisitive and will therefore trigger the snakes to bite. 

Bites are most commonly seen on the legs, neck and face.  

Symptoms of your dog/cat being bitten by a poisonous snake are:

- A severe swelling and pain at the bite site

- The swelling usually occurs within an hour and can quickly become larger during the first day, sometimes the skin becomes discolored - which can be a sign of tissue necrosis (local tissue death)

- You don't always see the bite itself, but in some cases you can see two red dots after the snake's teeth.

- The dog/cat may become generally affected and lethargic

- The dog/cat may start drooling, panting, vomiting, and/or passing diarrhoea.  

- Breathing problems, collapse and tremors or seizures may occur in certain cases.

- In particularly severe cases, the heart, liver, kidney and the blood's ability to coagulate can also be affected

- Dogs are most often bitten in the nose and cats most often on the paws. If the animal is bitten on the paws/legs and is moving, the blood circulation increases and thus the spread of the venom around the body.

How affected the animal is depends on how much poison has been transferred from the snake, where on the body the dog/cat has been bitten, and how that particular individual reacts to the absorbed poison.

What to do if you suspect a snake bite

- Arrange for an urgent veterinary appointment and examination so that your pet receives the correct treatment as soon as possible. 

- Keep the dog/cat calm, avoid movement as much as possible to reduce the spread of the poison in the body.  Consider bringing the car to you dog rather than walking a long way back to the car. 

- Don't wash, manipulate or bandage the bite site.

- Do not look for the snake - It could bite you also!. Remember that adders are a protected species and therefore it is an offence to kill or harm them.   

The vet will decide which tests should be carried out, e.g. blood tests. Treatment is provided as needed and may include IV fluids, pain relief, other supportive treatment and in some cases anti venom.

Most pets make a full recovery following a snake bite but fatal cases are unfortunately seen.  

Prevention

Avoid walking your dog in areas where adders are common. Especially in the summer months. Alternatively you can keep your dog on the lead and keep to the bigger paths in these areas as this reduces the risk of adder encounters greatly.

If possible - avoid the adders preferred habitats such as forest/woodlands, moorland and areas with long grass.