Warning from Cornwall vet after dogs admitted with adder bites

A vet in Cornwall has a warning to pet owners after a number of dogs have been admitted with adder bites.

Penmellyn Vet Group have told us six dogs have been taken to their vet hospital in the last five days after being bitten by the snake.

The nice weather means the snakes are basking in the sunshine and a walk with an inquisitive dog can often end up at the vets.

Hattie Algar is a Veterinary Surgeon at Penmellyn Vet Group and told us in her career she's never had a fatality from an adder bite but it can happen - she told us how:

"Infection of the adder bite and sepsis can develop.

"Sometimes if we see severe organ damage or blood clotting issues - they're definitely big concerns that can become very very serious."

Hattie has this advice to dog owners when out walking in the Duchy:

"Keep your dog on a lead, especially if you're walking in sand dunes or grass land.

"Keep your eyes to the ground and if you do see any black and white snakes do give them a very wide birth."

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• adder
• Snake
• penmellyn vet group