Dog owners are being urged to look out for the symptoms of adder bites, which can prove to be fatal if not identified and treated quickly.
Spring and summer are the most common times of year for dogs to be bitten by the UK's only venomous snake, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Warning signs include swelling, bruising, increased temperature, and sickness or lameness.
A small puncture wound may also be visible, particularly around the muzzle, face and front paws.
The warning comes after a two-year-old Cocker Spaniel from Devon was bitten while playing in long grass on a beach.
Her owner, Danielle, only discovered something was wrong when she came back home.
"Bella became lethargic and wouldn’t eat, which is unlike her", she said.
"And then I noticed that she had puncture wounds on her face, so I took her straight to the vet.
“It was awful when we discovered that Bella had been bitten by a snake - we were so worried about her.”
Bella's swelling continued to increase so was treated with antivenom.
She stayed in overnight and made a full recovery after five days.
The vet bill for her treatment came to £1,089.
According to Agria Pet Insurance, 85 per cent of snake bite claims happen between April and September in the year.
The average cost of a claim for an adder bite at a vet in the UK is £936.
Tom Vaughan, of Agria Pet Insurance, said, “Dealing with an adder bite can be very traumatic for both dogs and their owners and, if not treated swiftly and appropriately, can prove fatal.
“We want to draw owners’ attention to this time being right in the middle of the period where we handle most of our claims for adder bites.
“Understanding the signs to look for and simply having the awareness that adder bites can and do happen could be enough to save a dog’s life.”
Science communication advisor at The Kennel Club, Nick Sutton, said: “Adders are the UK's only native poisonous snakes and are found in a wide range of habitats, so it’s crucial owners are aware of their surroundings when out and about or even in the garden, and keep an eye on their dog.
“Adders hibernate over winter and emerge in spring; they can often be found basking in the sun, and inquisitive dogs that stumble upon them are most often bitten around the face, muzzle, and front paws.
“Signs a dog has been bitten by an adder can include a small puncture wound, swelling, bruising, increased temperature, and sickness or lameness. Dogs that are bitten should be taken to a vet as soon as possible, leaving the bite alone in the meantime, as this could cause further complications.
“We hope Bella’s story will help more dogs and owners avoid adders, and stay aware and alert during these warmer months.”
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
