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Dog nearly dies after being bitten by SNAKE as attacks in UK treble in a year


Adorable Weimaraner Raven had the fright of her life when a deadly adder sank its fangs into her during a walk.

She is one of a growing list of victims – as reports of snake bites on dogs have trebled in a year.

Raven took a week to recover from her badly swollen face after breeder Caz Terrell rushed her to the vet.

Caz, of Woodbridge, Suffolk, said: “It was very worrying. I’ve come across most things in my time breeding these dogs but I’ve never had to deal with a snake bite.”

Without prompt treatment and some anti-venom, Raven could have died.

Now, vets are warning pet owners to be on high alert. They have reported a 208% year-on-year increase in the number of people seeking advice over adder bites.

It took a week for Raven to recover from her ordeal

 

Last month, more than 2,000 dog owners sought guidance on the ­problem, compared with 659 queries in the same month last year.

And in one week last month, vets gave at least six dogs the anti-venom following a spate of attacks by the UK’s only native poisonous snake.

The attacks happened in Ipswich, Preston, Derby, Colchester, Southampton and Glasgow – proving they are a potential threat in all parts of the UK, although they are more prevalent in the south of England.

The snakes are more agitated than usual at this time of year because they have just come out of hibernation.

Dave Leicester, head of clinical intelligence at Vets Now, said: “Adders only bite a dog in self-defence, on the legs or face, resulting in a painful swelling. Two small puncture wounds may be visible at the heart of the swelling.

If left untreated, dogs can die from snake bites

 

“The swelling can become severe and may result in breathing difficulties from an allergic reaction to the toxin, particularly if the dog has been bitten around the head and neck.

“Eventually, if left untreated, dogs may collapse, have blood clotting problems, tremors or convulsions. That’s why it’s vitally important owners rush them to a vet as early as possible.”

Fewer than one in 20 adder bite victims die, says the Veterinary Poisons Information Service.

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