What to do if your dog is bitten by a snake in the UK

With three types of snakes in the UK - grass snakes, smooth snakes and adders – there is a chance you might come across one or even need to help your pet if they’ve been bitten by one.

Having said this, the pet charity PDSA explains that the adder is the only venomous species in the UK as grass snakes and smooth snakes aren't venomous and don't tend to bite.

Adders tend to keep themselves to themselves and don't bite unless they are scared.

Sometimes, however, dogs become curious and start sniffing, stepping near, or even pouncing at them —all of which can startle the adder and provoke a defensive strike.

Generally, most bites happen between the months of April to September but they are especially common between June and August.

Are adder bites deadly for dogs?

Most adder bites are not life-threatening and with prompt treatment most dogs make a full recovery.

However, the severity of symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the size of your dog, where on their body the bite occurs, the amount of venom injected and whether the venom reaches and spreads through the bloodstream. 

If the bite is mild and the venom stays in the tissues around the bite, it may only cause pain and swelling and intensive treatment might not be necessary.

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That said, the PDSA explains that it’s absolutely crucial to contact your vet immediately for guidance if you suspect an adder bite because early treatment can make a big difference if it’s needed.

What to do if your dog is bitten by a snake

Snakebites should always be treated as an emergency, and if your dog has been bitten, you should follow PDSA’s first aid advice and call your vet straight away. Don’t attempt to treat your dog at home.  

The charity urges pet owners to stay calm and if they see the snake to try to remember what it looks like or take a photo from a distance.

It warns you to avoid trying to find the snake, get close to it, touch it or harm it (important to note - adders are a protected species so it is illegal to hurt or kill them, and they can bite people if disturbed). 

Keep your dog as still as possible to prevent venom spreading around their body. Leave the bite alone - don't apply a bandage or tourniquet.

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Call your vet as soon as you can to let them know you are coming down to the practice. If possible, bring your car to your dog or depending on their weight, carry them to it.

Symptoms of an adder bite

Adder bite symptoms can take anywhere between a couple of minutes to an hour to develop.

They tend to be worse in dogs that are bitten on the face or neck, and much worse if the venom makes its way into the bloodstream.

If the venom enters the bloodstream, it can potentially cause symptoms like fever, lethargy, collapse, and, in severe cases, seizures, clotting issues, organ failure or even death.

Bites to the face or neck can also be particularly dangerous due to the risk of swelling blocking the airways.

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Mild symptoms include pain and swelling around the bite, limping (if bitten on a leg), and you may notice a few tiny bite marks on your dog. 

Serious symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, pale gums, panting and drooling.

How is a snake bite treated?

If your dog has been bitten by a snake, treatment will depend on the symptoms they develop.

As a start, it is likely to involve strong pain relief, careful monitoring, a fluid drip and antihistamines. 

In more serious cases, your dog might need anti-venom, which is sometimes necessary in more severe cases.

However, there is a small risk of a drug reaction when using anti-venom and it can be difficult to get hold of.

They might be given antibiotics , which are only necessary if your dog develops an infection around their bite wound  

Or they could need surgery - some dogs develop necrosis (tissue death) around the bite wound and they may need an operation to remove the dead tissue.

Recommended reading:

• Snake species not seen in UK for 300k years returns after 'accidental release'

• The 'adaptable' snake that is the UK's longest and can swim underwater

• 'Shy and incredibly scarce' snake that is rarest in the UK and where to find it

How to prevent your dog getting a snake bite

There are a few steps you can take to help prevent your dog from being bitten by an adder.

The PDSA advises you to avoid areas well known for adders in the warmer months (especially April-September) or when in those areas, keep your dog on a path and on a lead.

If you are on holiday somewhere you aren’t familiar with, do some research to find out if there are any adder ‘hot spots’ before walking your dog.

Adders are most commonly found in long grass, woodland, moorland and along the coast (sand dunes/coastal paths) so bear this in mind when choosing where to walk.