Adder Bites

Adders in Spring

Adders come out of hibernation in March. Whilst adders are typically timid, this is the time when they are most active and most likely to bite people and dogs passing by. 

As Scotland’s only native and venomous reptile, these snakes are worth learning about. You can read more about adder snakes in Scotland here.

Adders are often only found in certain areas of Scotland, particularly in quiet and open areas such as heathland, moorlands or woodlands. However, during warmer weather, they have been spotted on beaches and among sand dunes.

How to identify an adder in the wild

Adders are quite distinctive from other snakes. They are grey or reddish-brown in colour, with dark zig-zag patterns running down the length of their backs.

How to tell if your pet Has been bitten by an adder?

Adders are not typically aggressive and adder bites are very uncommon. They will only bite if provoked, or if your pet steps too close to them. If your pet does get bitten by an adder, here are some of the clinical signs and symptoms you may notice if your pet has been bitten by an adder:

• Rapid and progressive swelling around the area of the bite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Bruising near the area of the bite
• Bleeding near the area of the bite
• In some cases, it may cause your pet to collapse

Bites occur most commonly in spring and summer. If your pet has been bitten by an adder (even if you did not see the snake itself or are unsure of what happened), you should contact your vet immediately.

What to do if your pet is bitten by an adder?

It can be really stressful to see your pet in distress, but it is important not to panic. If bitten, your pet requires emergency attention from a veterinarian. 

Important: Do not attempt to touch, catch or kill the snake. It is a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

You should never attempt to make a tourniquet, squeeze out the venom or anything like that that you often see in the movies when someone is bitten by a snake. In reality, adders’ venom is a haemotoxin which breaks down blood and tissue. If the venom becomes trapped in an area of the body or if you damage the bite further, this will often do much more harm than good.

If practical, carry your dog to slow the spread of the venom and take them to your veterinary surgeon. If available, you can also pour cold water over the wound to clean it. Do not delay in seeking advice or attempt to deal with it yourself, even if your pet seems fine. Remember, symptoms may take up to 24 hours to appear. 

If left untreated, an adder bite can cause organ failure and even be fatal.

How to prevent adder bites when walking your dog?

Adder bites are very uncommon, however it’s sensible to take sensible precautions when walking in the countryside with your pet. 

If you are walking where adders are known to be, we recommend keeping your dog away from long grass or undergrowth, especially on hot days. We also suggest keeping your dog on its lead whilst you walk through these areas. 

Be mindful of adders throughout spring, summer and autumn, as they can be found until as late in the year as October when they typically start seeking hibernation spots again. If you spot one, it will likely go into a “freeze” response. It is important to give it plenty of space and do not disturb it. If it feels threatened, that’s why it’s likely to bite.

Some sources suggest putting a bell on your pet’s collar to reduce their risk of being bitten. However, this is false as snakes don’t pick up sound like mammals do, so would be unable to be warned off from the ringing of a bell. Please remember that even if you suspect your pet has been bitten by an adder, take them to your vet immediately.