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Adder warning! - Woodland Vet Centre (16th Apr 2015 - 10:01:31) We have seen our first case of an adder bite. A Lovely Golden Retriever was bitten on his muzzle what resulted in severe swelling. He received pain relief and treatment which included an anti-venom. He is making, at this moment, a speedy recovery! Most adder encounters occur between March and October, their most active season. But with the weather starting to become warmer, high risk situations are occurring whilst the adders are out basking in the sun. To prevent your dog encountering an adder, keep them to the paths and under control (preferably on a lead) in areas where adders are known to occur. This will also prevent disturbance to ground nesting birds such as the nightjar. If you suspect that a snake has bitten your dog or you notice an unexplained swelling on his legs, neck or face, you should immediately seek veterinary attention. Do not attempt first aid measures such as sucking out the snake venom or applying a tourniquet and if possible, carry your dog rather than letting it walk. Please remember adders are an important part of our eco system. Due to being protected, it is illegal to injure or kill them. With proper treatment adder bites are rarely fatal, but staying clear of high risk areas and being aware of possible symptoms will allow you and your dog to make the most out of the sunny days ahead! Christine, Veterinay Nurse Woodland Vet Centre Headley Road

Re: Adder warning! - Nellie (16th Apr 2015 - 12:05:04) Hope he makes a speedy recovery. Do you know where he was when bitten, just so other walkers can be aware.

Re: Adder warning! - RT (16th Apr 2015 - 12:18:06) I spied a snake in Hollycombe Woods yesterday, minding its own business. From further investigation it may have been a grass snake rather than an adder, no V shape round the neck.

Re: Adder warning! - stacey (16th Apr 2015 - 12:56:30) I saw one on Bramshott Common yesterday, so I think anywhere is possible for them

Re: Adder warning! - kayleigh (16th Apr 2015 - 17:01:27) my husband and i saw a snake up bramshott grave yard yesterday, we think it was just a grass snake but was too quick to go under the bush before we could get a good look...?

Re: Adder warning! - rita (16th Apr 2015 - 19:08:53) I man I spoke to today said his dog was bitten by an adder yesterday. I am not sure where it was, but dog owners please follow advice from the woodland vets. do not take any chances with your beautiful doggies. the man said his vet told him to take a packet of allergy tablets on a walk with you just in case. then take your dog straight to a vet if it is bitten.

Re: Adder warning! - Gilly Barwick (16th Apr 2015 - 19:34:46) my dog was also bitten yesterday by a snake... In my garden on the Berg estate. Luckily he weighs 50kg and with injections and tablets from the vet the venom only resulted in severe inflammation. Please be vigilant and don't just assume that your dog may suffer a bite while out on a walk.

Re: Adder warning! - Phill (18th Apr 2015 - 00:29:23) Well said, Christine. For the dog walkers following this thread, I would add the following. Snakes will always avoid encounters with dogs (and people) if able. Problems arise when they are still cold and sluggish but out basking to warm up. So you are most likely to come across them early in the morning or a sunny spell on an otherwise cold/rainy day. Adders are primarily heath dwellers but will explore areas fringing heaths too, so consider walking in cool woodland at these times. We also keep anti-venom and the sooner it is administered the better. Bites are rarely fatal if treated promptly so don't listen to Dr. Google when he says anti-histamine will do! Regards, Phill Small World Vet Centre Station Rd

Re: Adder warning! - carole west (24th Apr 2015 - 17:18:41) As chairman of Haslemere and district dog training club we advise dog owners to carry Piriton anti histamine tablets when out with their dogs. Get an address barrel from Hiscocks and put a couple of tablets in there and add it to your key ring or dog whistle[ no good left in pocket of car]. Take your dog to the vets asap. I personally have been bitten and its damn painful with flu like symptoms

Re: Adder warning! - Jane (24th Apr 2015 - 17:26:18) I came across an adder last week when walking at Weaver's Down. I guess they like the sandy soil and of course the sunshine. Luckily it was a very lazy one and just slithered away and my dog didn't even notice it.

Re: dogwalkers - mr rigby (29th Apr 2015 - 18:38:25) sad your dog is not good im a humane animal trapper and a friend of mine had his german sheperd bit on iron hill outside liphook i get a phone call early morning asking if i can take a walk up there and have a look.within ten mins i had caught two adders and caged them to move them well away the paths and tracks so animals and humans alike would not meet eatch other its a common problem with iron hill there is lots of sand that holds the heat so you will meet them its sadly a case of keeping your dogs on a lead in areas like that while up there i came across a nice family letting there two year old play in the brush so advised them agaist it as signs are up as a adder bite can kill babys and older people.as i said im a trapper and respect all animals if you are in need of my help im cheaper then the council and can deal wth rats mice squirrils mink bats you name it i can catch it my number is 07825307004 try not to with hold numbers as dont like to answer them as everyone is ha but keep me up to date on the surrounding areas with problems and maybe the council will hire me full time to keep you and your pets safe

Re: dogwalkers - Phil (27th May 2015 - 17:32:10) Hi Mr Rigby, I thought I should point out that it is illegal to disturb roosting bats without a specific licence, let alone trap/move them. A licence is also needed to survey/hold/move reptiles as they are all legally protected in the UK. Regards, Phil

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