On April 19, a dog named Connie was bitten by an adder while being walked on Scout Scar near Kendal. The incident occurred around 11am when Connie’s owner’s brother, Alec Dunn, was walking her. Initially, there were no visible signs of a bite, but Connie’s condition worsened shortly after returning home.
Incident Details
Connie was running ahead on the path when she stopped to sniff a small mound. Alec noticed a snake curled up nearby, which he believes was an adder, the only venomous snake in the UK. The snake struck out at Alec when he approached, indicating a warning rather than an attack.
Symptoms and Veterinary Care
About 45 minutes after the encounter, Connie began to show signs of distress. Alec’s sister observed that Connie appeared drowsy, and her muzzle started to swell. Realising the seriousness of the situation, they rushed her to an emergency vet.
Successful Treatment
At the veterinary clinic, Connie received anti-venom sourced from Windermere. Owner Larissa Lewis expressed gratitude to the veterinary staff for their prompt care. Thankfully, Connie has returned home and is recovering well.
Understanding Adders
Adders are native to the UK and are most active from March to October. They often bask in sunny areas, which can lead to encounters with pets. Alec, who has experience with snakes from living in Africa, was surprised to learn that adders inhabit the nearby fells.
Advice for Pet Owners
Alec advises pet owners to act quickly if they suspect their dog has been bitten by a snake. He recommends getting the dog home as soon as possible and seeking veterinary care. They were fortunate that Connie survived without lasting effects.
