We are so lucky, not only to live in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but also having a UNESCO World Heritage site right on our doorstep at Braunton Burrows. Many protected species thrive here and on related coastal sites nearby, including the UK’s only poisonous snake, the adder.

Our practice sees 10 to 15 dogs bitten by adders every year, so we are very experienced in their treatment and generally have a good stock of antivenom.
Typically, dogs get bitten on a warm day when the snakes are sunbathing in an open area. The dog either stands on the snake and gets bitten on the foot, or inquisitively sticks its nose into this strange creature and gets bitten around the face. There is usually an acute pain reaction and rapid swelling of the area. If left untreated, the generalised effects include disruption of blood clotting and eventually total organ failure.

We need to see your pet as soon as you think he may have been bitten – phone the surgery first if possible, especially out of hours. We will admit him for intravenous fluids, antivenom, antibiotics and painkillers, and he may be able to go home the same day.
Sometimes the swelling is slower in onset, but we can treat with antivenom even some hours or days later, so if in any doubt as to whether he has been bitten, get veterinary attention straight away.