Should i worry about my dog's getting bit by adders.?

Question

i go over to mid wales alot, are there any adders?

Answer 1

If there are adders in Mid Wales then you should be careful about where you take your dogs.

Adder bites are painful and can be potentially fatal.

Dogs are more likely to be bitten by adders than people because if a dog comes across an adder it will often sniff or paw at the snake which results in the snake defending itself.

People generally leave them alone and the snakes will move out of the way very quickly. You have to just about step on a one to be bitten.

Some dogs know instinctively to avoid adders. The first time my four dogs came across one it was sunning itself in the middle of a footpath. All the dogs gave it a wide berth while continuing to watch it as they went by.

The main danger is if your dog is running and steps on one; the snake will definitely bite.

I would advise that you:-

find out for certain whether there are adders where you are going;

find out what precautions to take to avoid them;

what first aid you can administer;

and obtain a contact number for a local vet.

I've walked in adder country for years and only seen a few so don't worry too much.

Answer 2

Don't rely on this because its not foolproof, but it is possible to teach your dog not to sniff certain things because they are dangerous. You do it with body language and a sharp warning, so for example if you take them in the garden and they go to sniff a bee you give a keyword (don't use 'no'!) in a sharp voice, jump back a little and allow your face to look worried. They'll soon pick it up. Its great for teaching dogs not to sniff at bees and wasps but don't overdo it; nervous dogs don't want to turn into a quivering wreck.
How on earth you'd apply this to a snake I don't know; the only thing I can think of is get a rubber toy snake, the most realistic looking thing you can find and use that. 'Find' it in the garden and try it out. Make sure you choose a specific keyword as a warning and just be on the lookout while you're in likely areas on holiday. Adders like to sunbathe but only if they feel safe in the open; they are more common in areas of bracken.
Please remember that snake bites are serious if you're in the middle of nowhere, but quite rare; unfortunately sheep worrying isnt. Wales is sheep farming country, please keep your dogs on lead and under your control while you are in a sheep field. The farmer has the right to shoot your dog, and this is not at all rare but a distressing way to end your holiday.

Answer 3

Yes there are adders in mid-Wales, but they arent too common.

I dont think Adders would kill dogs, but it would probably hurt them and cause them pain.

This site has more info about adders in general, as well as stating that dogs tend to sniff out Adders, so keep it on a leash.

http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/nature/crag/adder.htm

Answer 4

if by adders you mean the mathematical genius carol vorderman then no, i seriously doubt it would be advantageous to her or her career in any way to bite dog's. john nash, who was portrayed by russell crowe in ' a beautiful mind ' , would probably love to sink his fangs into a dog. he was a bit of a nut job. so the general rule is - vorderman=safe, nash=unsafe . hope this helps

Answer 5

your dog deserves to get bitten if you inflict taking it to wales you should be reported for cruelty i wouldn't even take my worst enemy to wales..

Answer 6

yes, if they get bitten try to keep them still and take them straight to your vet.