Adder bites in dogs

The European adder (Vipera berus berus) is the only venomous snake native to the UK. It is also found across northern Europe and Asia, but not in Ireland.

Adders vary in colour; males can be grey to white and the females are shades of brown or copper. The adder can be recognised by its black/brown zig-zag down its back and a V-shaped marking on the head. Adults grow up to 60 cm in length.

The European adder is not an aggressive snake and only bites when provoked. Bites rarely occur during the winter when the snake is in hibernation but are frequent during the summer months. Adders are found in heaths, sand dunes, moorlands and woodland margins in summer.

This episode is taken from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis and provides information to help you understand more about the health and welfare of your dog

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