Adders

brue
brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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edited April 2021 in Your Pets #1

Just a warning if you're in the SW with your dog. There have been several cases of adder bites with dogs. Possibly the warm weather has encouraged the adders to do some sunbathing and dogs will spot them and get too close. It looks like it's better to keep dogs on a lead on footpaths and heathland etc.

The advice on our local TV. Pick your dog up if possible if you suspect an adder bite, carry them to your car or home and phone a vet immediately. The example shown was an elderly labrador, who survived, with treatment costing over £1000.

Make sure family members know what an adder looks like and keep children well away.

Comments

  • moulesy
    moulesy Forum Participant Posts: 9,402 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited April 2021 #2

    A very timely warning, brue. We came across one just last week on the path leading up from Holywell Bay to Kelsey Head near the golf course. First time we've actually seen one and it was Lady sniffing in the grass who brought it to our attention. Fortunately, just a juvenile we think (I'm not sure when they become venomous), not much bigger than a slow worm and it scuttled off into the grass very quickly. surprised

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited April 2021 #3

    MouIesy I think the labrador mentioned got bitten near Perranporth!  Apparently adder numbers have decreased but obviously still plenty around and not all dogs survive a bite. I expect adders are in many other places too.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2021 #4

    Yes, they said Perran Sands and the vet being interviewed said they'd had 6 cases of dogs bring bitten in 5 days.

  • moulesy
    moulesy Forum Participant Posts: 9,402 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited April 2021 #5

    Thanks for the warnings. Penhale Dunes behind Perran Sands is our regular morning walk along with many other regular dog walkers. A great place to give the dogs freedom but we will be vigilant next time we're there. 

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,585 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2021 #6

    The main problem you have at this time of year is that the snakes haven't really had time to warm up properly so are a bit sluggish and even when it's warm weather it's only for a couple of hours at a temperature that will get them able to move quicker.

    Good advice to keep dogs under vigilance and close by in this areas known to have adders.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited April 2021 #7
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited April 2021 #8

    We had a friend who came to the New Forest with us and then drove us mad worrying about adders! We never saw one and he finally enjoyed his visit. It's worth being alert but not alarmed. wink

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