Adder season: how to keep your dog safe
Always look for two small puncture wounds on your dog's legs or nose.
A veterinary practice in Kirkcudbright is urging people to follow its advice when it comes to adders, after a recent incident left a dog needing medical treatment.
Now that the weather is starting to get better, the snakes will be starting to come out of hibernation.
Not all bites are fatal
Sarah McCarthy from Galloway Vets is telling Greatest Hits Radio that this time of year in particular can pose more of a risk "because adders are just waking up which means they’re still a bit sluggish and can’t move out of the way as quickly as they would do in the warmer weather".
She added: “The venom sacks are a bit fuller so the bites can be worse.”
Even though most attacks are not deadly, dog walkers are being urged to phone the vet straight away.
Where to avoid
A couple of common areas where you can expect to find these reptiles are moorlands and rough grass areas.
McCarthy says these spots are usually well signposted to warn walkers:
“If you are walking in one of the areas that have these signs or you’re concerned at all, then keep your dog on the lead. That way you have control of your dog and can keep an eye on what they’re sticking their noses in.”
What to look out for
“You might see two small puncture wounds, they’ll be quite close together, maybe a centimetre or less. That area will become quite swollen, sore and bruised relatively quickly as well.”
More commonly, these bite marks will be found on the canine’s legs or nose.
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